Abstract:

This paper presents results of a national survey of directors of Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) regarding provision of innovative community services. We sought to understand factors that impede and those that encourage provision of preventive service programs and facilitation of independence and proactivity in late life. We also contextualize priorities within the aging network by describing the historical and policy frameworks that gave rise to development of AAAs in the US through legislative mandates of the Older Americans Act. Findings of our study, based on responses to a web based survey by 112 directors indicate that, even while meeting their primary mission of assisting frail elders, AAA directors seek innovation. They assign high priority to introduction of preventive services that can promote health and empowerment of elders. Facilitators of this type of program innovation included forging partnerships with other community agencies, including hospitals, churches and schools. Having a dedicated staff member and success in external fundraising efforts were also associated with endorsement and implementation of service innovation.