By: CHRIS HOGAN
Last Thursday, the Rhode Island Department of Elderly Affairs (DEA) announced a new state plan to help the elderly live with more opportunities. Public hearings have been set up throughout the state in conjunction with the new plan for the years 2012 to 2015.
A new plan is being drafted due to the terms of the Older Americans Act (OAA) of 1965. The OAA offers support for programs that are involved with the long-term care of the people. Programs consist of Meals on Wheels home delivery, in-home care and legal support.
The DEA is looking for public input so it can focus on services to people over 60 and adults with disabilities.
“These public hearings offer the opportunity for seniors, adults with disabilities, families, caregivers, advocates, providers and other constituents to have a voice in determining the priorities for aging services and services for adults with disabilities in Rhode Island,” DEA director Catherine T. Taylor said in a statement.
Larry Grimaldi of the DEA said that the new plan would be submitted by June 30. It is to take effect Oct. 1.
The DEA has listed the following goals and objectives: to have senior citizens be able to stay in their own homes without any setbacks; promote the elderly to stay active and healthy; guarantee the rights for the elderly and prevent their abuse, neglect and exploitation; and improve performance measures.
Under the goal that allows senior citizens to stay in their homes, the DEA’s objectives include expanding and applying current options with federally supported programs within the RI Global Wavier for Medicaid eligible individuals with the proper health care services. The department is looking to improve the home delivered meals program by encouraging more volunteers and raising public awareness of programs available through local senior center networks, public libraries and the Rhode Island Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC).
Moreover, in order for the elderly to stay active and live a healthier lifestyle, the DEA is seeking more funding for exercise programs at senior centers and a supplemental state prescription assistance plan to help those in need.
Under the new performance measures, the DEA wants the elderly and their families to make educated choices about what is out there for them by increasing awareness about the ADRC, its services, locations and hours. A single “800” number is being considered to help those get in touch with the nearest office close to them.
The hearings will begin on Tuesday, May 31 at the Westerly Senior Center and be followed by another on June 1 at The Center in South Kingstown. On Thursday, June 2, Johnston Senior Services will host a hearing. On Friday June 3, the hearing will be at the East Providence Senior Center and on Monday, June 6 at the Woonsocket Senior Services.
Hearings will run from 1 to 3 p.m. The DEA will accept written statements until 4 p.m. on June 6 and should be mailed to Rhonda Schwartz, Rhode Island Department of Elderly Affairs, Hazard Building, 74 West Rd. – 2nd floor, Cranston, RI, 02920, by email at rschwartz@dea.ri.gov, or call 462-0561.
Read more: Warwick Beacon - Hearings on state plan for elderly disabled start May 31
A new plan is being drafted due to the terms of the Older Americans Act (OAA) of 1965. The OAA offers support for programs that are involved with the long-term care of the people. Programs consist of Meals on Wheels home delivery, in-home care and legal support.
The DEA is looking for public input so it can focus on services to people over 60 and adults with disabilities.
“These public hearings offer the opportunity for seniors, adults with disabilities, families, caregivers, advocates, providers and other constituents to have a voice in determining the priorities for aging services and services for adults with disabilities in Rhode Island,” DEA director Catherine T. Taylor said in a statement.
Larry Grimaldi of the DEA said that the new plan would be submitted by June 30. It is to take effect Oct. 1.
The DEA has listed the following goals and objectives: to have senior citizens be able to stay in their own homes without any setbacks; promote the elderly to stay active and healthy; guarantee the rights for the elderly and prevent their abuse, neglect and exploitation; and improve performance measures.
Under the goal that allows senior citizens to stay in their homes, the DEA’s objectives include expanding and applying current options with federally supported programs within the RI Global Wavier for Medicaid eligible individuals with the proper health care services. The department is looking to improve the home delivered meals program by encouraging more volunteers and raising public awareness of programs available through local senior center networks, public libraries and the Rhode Island Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC).
Moreover, in order for the elderly to stay active and live a healthier lifestyle, the DEA is seeking more funding for exercise programs at senior centers and a supplemental state prescription assistance plan to help those in need.
Under the new performance measures, the DEA wants the elderly and their families to make educated choices about what is out there for them by increasing awareness about the ADRC, its services, locations and hours. A single “800” number is being considered to help those get in touch with the nearest office close to them.
The hearings will begin on Tuesday, May 31 at the Westerly Senior Center and be followed by another on June 1 at The Center in South Kingstown. On Thursday, June 2, Johnston Senior Services will host a hearing. On Friday June 3, the hearing will be at the East Providence Senior Center and on Monday, June 6 at the Woonsocket Senior Services.
Hearings will run from 1 to 3 p.m. The DEA will accept written statements until 4 p.m. on June 6 and should be mailed to Rhonda Schwartz, Rhode Island Department of Elderly Affairs, Hazard Building, 74 West Rd. – 2nd floor, Cranston, RI, 02920, by email at rschwartz@dea.ri.gov, or call 462-0561.
Read more: Warwick Beacon - Hearings on state plan for elderly disabled start May 31
No comments:
Post a Comment