The Older Americans Act and Title III Services
Many of the home and community-based services available to older adults (typically people age 60 and over and/or their caregivers) in southwestern Ohio and the rest of the country are mandated by the Older Americans Act (OAA). Title III, the largest program in the OAA, is the funding source for the programs and services state and local aging agencies – like Council on Aging – must provide to older adults in their service areas.
The OAA is made up of many focus areas, called “Titles,” which support or provide for nutrition programs, home and community-based services, caregiver support, long-term care ombudsman programs and senior employment programs.
Title III is the largest focus area in the OAA. Ohio’s 12 Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) receive and use Title III funding to plan, develop, and coordinate systems of supportive, in-home and community-based services.
Council on Aging is the AAA for Butler, Clermont, Clinton, Hamilton and Warren counties. This area is known as AAA1. COA uses Title III funds to advocate for older adults and help them remain within their own homes and communities. Money goes to senior centers and organizations that provide services such as transportation, congregate meals, caregiver support, legal help and wellness education. COA also combines Title III dollars with state funds and county tax levies to provide home care services to seniors who are not eligible for PASSPORT (the state’s Medicaid in-home care program).
Click here to learn more about the Older Americans Act and Title III programs and services, including eligibility requirements.
Long-term Care Planning
Do you know the answers to these questions?
- Will Medicare or private insurance pay for in-home care for my mother if she becomes ill or disabled?
- What is an advance directive?
- Do I need long-term care insurance?
- Should I get a reverse mortgage?
- What programs are available in my community to help me stay active and healthy?
These are important questions that should be answered as part of the long-term care planning process.
But what is long-term care?
Long-term care is the help you need when you’re not able to perform daily activities by yourself such as preparing food, dressing, bathing, managing medications or handling personal paperwork.
Many people learn about long-term care the hard way: when they or a loved one need care, and quickly. Too often, that’s when they discover:
- Long-term care can be expensive
- Medicare doesn’t cover it
- There are many complex issues – finances, insurance, legal matters – that can’t be dealt with properly in a crisis
- Options may be limited if you haven’t planned ahead
Contrary to popular belief, long-term care does not mean a one-way trip to the nursing home. In fact, long-term care today is more likely to be delivered in a variety of settings such as home, adult day centers, and assisted living facilities.
Council on Aging can help you plan for long-term care
Whether you’re exploring options for yourself or an aging loved one, call Council on Aging at (513) 721-1025 for help answering these questions and more.