What is the Area Agency on Aging?

The Area Agency on Aging's mission is to improve conditions affecting the lives of the older adults in the region by:

• Identifying senior concerns and developing a comprehensive network of services that will enable older persons to function as independently as possible in their homes and communities

• Providing advocacy, information, planning, program development, contracting and the funding necessary to accomplish this purpose

The Older Americans Act of 1965 created agencies at the federal, state, and local level to administer programs that help the elderly maintain their health and independence in their homes and communities. Region 2 Area Agency on Aging was established in 1974 as a private, not-for-profit agency, serving Hillsdale, Jackson and Lenawee counties.

What We Do

In keeping with its mission, the Area Agency on Aging (AAA) performs three primary activities:

• Advocates on behalf of older and disabled persons.
• Identifies needs of the elderly and disabled, and develops plans for meeting those needs through a system of in-home and community services to enable people to maintain their independence and dignity.
• Administers federal, state, local and private funds to support those services.

The AAA maintains services largely through contracts and purchase agreements with local provider organizations, and monitors agencies to ensure the job is done in an efficient and effective manner. Services include the following:

In-Home Services are provided to homebound and disabled persons. These services help people stay in their own homes and with their families for as long as possible.

Community-based services are provided at central locations throughout the Region.

Access services help people connect with appropriate services.