and building solutions through innovation, collaboration, and just plain dedication and hard work. Never have these skills been put to the test more so than 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic laid bare many serious, almost unimaginable issues for our nation’s aging population. Miraculously, it also shined a light on the collective strengths of our network. In the pages that follow, you will see how Aging Ahead has been able to, once again, channel challenge into positive action. With the support of federal and state funding, participant contributions, community partnerships, and the passionate work of hundreds of committed staff and volunteers, our pledge to support the unique journey for all older adults remains within reach. Lisa M. Knoll Chief Executive Officer Our mission - supporting individuals through the journey of aging - has never been more challenging; our vision of honor and dignity for all, never more urgent. Growth in the number of older adults in this country continues to outpace any other demographic. Elderly experiencing the negative effects of isolation, food insecurity, and family caregiver stress have all reached unprecedented levels. These issues present fierce challenges as well as unique opportunities for all of us in the aging network. We are called on to remain relevant and responsive to the many needs that often seem to be growing and evolving overnight. Friends, welcome to Aging Ahead.
the proportion of the U.S. population over age 60 will dramatically increase as the baby boomers reach this milestone. By 2030, more than 70 million Americans will be 65 and older, twice the number in 2000. Among those 65 and older, 1 in 4 live alone and nearly 9 million face the threat of hunger. As this demographic shift occurs, there will be an unprecedented increase in the need and demand for fiscal, health, and social support to ensure a sound quality of life for millions of older Americans. Over the next 10 years, 1 in 5 Americans will be 65 or older.
Jefferson, Franklin 26% of MO's 60+ residents live in our service area 1973 the year we began as an Area Agency on Aging Mission: Supporting individuals through the journey of aging. 1 Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) in Missouri 1 of 10 As Americans continue to redefine what it means to be “aging”, Aging Ahead is committed to reimagining our purpose and role in that landscape, challenging ourselves and our partners to evolve with intention and innovation.
offer dozens of additional services to support the needs and interests of local communities. Nutrition Health & Wellness AAAs Core Services under the Older Americans Act: Elder Abuse * Supportive Services Caregiver AAA Core Services (includes abuse prevention and long-term care ombudsman program)
Ahead develops and funds targeted local nutrition and aging programs, provides direct assistance, and aging education. AAA's also leverage federal dollars, building on modest Older Americans Act funding to expand the economic support and development of each community for Home and Community Based Services. The U.S. Administration on Aging estimates that for every $1 of federal Older Americans Act investment, an additional $3 is leveraged. Assess community needs and develop and fund programs that respond to those needs. Educate and provide direct assistance to consumers about available community resources for long-term services and support. Serve as portals to care by assessing multiple service needs, determining eligibility, authorizing or purchasing services, and monitoring the appropriateness and cost effectiveness of services. Demonstrate responsible fiscal stewardship by maximizing use of public and private funding to serve as many consumers as possbile. 1 2 3 4
Recognizing and protecting the pivotal role that we play in addressing SDOH, Aging Ahead provides resources, programs, and services to help improve health outcomes and provide opportunities for all to age well. SDOH include, but are not limited to, access to housing, employment, nutritious food, community services, transportation, and social support. For over 45 years, Aging Ahead has addressed aspects of older adults’ lives that play a critical role in their overall well-being. These ‘social determinants of health’ (SDOH) are the economic and social conditions that influence individual and group Economic Stability Health & Health Care Education Social & Community Content Neighborhood and Built Enviornment Social Determinants Of Health
Support In-Home Services Medicare and Medicaid Health Insurance Senior Housing Elder Abuse and Legal Services Aging Ahead’s Community Options Specialists serve as a trusted and valued source supporting older adults, their families, and caregivers by linking them with our programs and community resources. Our Community Options Specialists are just one call away and provide information, resources, and answers to questions about topics including: Our Specialists supported individuals and their caregivers during FY 20. 11,379
constantly evaluating the needs of older adults to help create new community programs that address a variety of needs and interests. Aging Ahead created CHOICE in 2014 as a solution to the ongoing challenge of attracting older adults to traditional senior centers. In partnership with community organizations and businesses, Aging Ahead's award-winning CHOICE program brings an array of programs and services to locations throughout the Eat Smart, Live Strong Matter of Balance Staying Sharp, Brain Health Caregiving 101 Colleges Schools & Popular CHOICE presentations include nutritional education, brain health, and evidence-based programs including: Libraries Supermarkets The YMCA Presentations Online
or long-term basis to homebound individuals 60 years or older who are unable to prepare a nutritionally balanced meal for themselves and are unable to attend a congregate meal center. Aging Ahead is proud to operate 20 community resource centers, which are located in St. Louis, St. Charles, Franklin, and Jefferson counties. These locations serve as focal points for older adults. Each multipurpose center offers nutritious, hot congregate meals for center participants and delivers Meals on Wheels to eligible homebound seniors.
Program Income $630,900, 5.5% Contracted Services/Medicaid $3,469,000 21.8% Federal/State $7,808,100 68.0% Actual Budget FY2020 Total Budget $11,452,700 Administration $519,200 4.5% Supportive Services $1,729,400 15.1% Family Caregiver $744,400 6.5% Contracted Services $773,000 6.7% Nutrition $7,688,500 67.2% Nutrition: Senior Centers 67.2% of Budget Actual Congregate Meals Home-Delivered Meals Supportive Services 16.0% of Total Budget--includes Transportation In-Home Services Information and Assistance Adult Day Care Ombudsman Supply Bank for Sr. Independence Legal Services Case Management Telephone Reassurance Other Support Services Administration 4.5% of Total Actual Family Caregiver 6.5% of Total Actual--includes Public Info & Education Information and Assistance Case Management Transportation In-Home Respite Adult Day Care Durable Medical Equipment/Supplies Nutritional Supplies Other Care Giver Services Contracted Services 6.5% of Total Actual--includes Veterans Program Navigator Program MFP & Reassessments Programs Other Contracted Services 0% 100% 26.9% 5.6% 24.9% 2.9% 5.7% 0.8% 2.6% 17.4% 10.8% 2.1% 0.1% 25.9% 15.6% 2.2% 34.6% 10.2% 4.7% 3.6% 5.1% 84.7% .5% 2.2% 12.6% Actual Budget FY2020 The monetary figures reflected are based on actual FY2020 funds and expenditures.
and services to older adults and their caregivers, faith communities, organizations, businesses, and the general public. Our goal is to make sure the communities we serve know we are here to support them through the journey of aging. Although the COVID-19 pandemic required us to change the ways we typically conduct outreach, we were still able to spread the word on the essential services and support we continue to provide. Overall Outreach by County St. Louis County 210 Franklin County 164 Jefferson County 87 St. Charles County 83 Community Outreach Were not aware of Aging Ahead prior to presentation Learned something new from the presentation Knows how and where to get help when needed Will share the presentation information with a freind Post Event Particpation Feedback 14% 98% 90% 95% 3,256 15,171 Home Delivered Monthly Activity Sheets April 2020- June 2020 Senior Medicare Patrol Fraud Facts Shared Monthly Presentations & Information Tables July 2019-March 2020 9,600 "Presentation was outstanding, wealth of knowledge." "Useful information to promote change." "Great speaker, very knowledgeable, and super program."
in 2002 when she became the caretaker of her late husband, Hershel, who suffered from Alzheimer’s Disease. Hershel was a lifelong artist, and Ina would often bring him to the West County Senior Center for art classes. “It was wonderful taking him to those classes. The teacher was so nice and welcoming, and it made him feel good that his art was hung up with the rest of the class.” Around this time, a Community Options Specialist came to Ina’s house to assess the living space, ultimately making it more comfortable for Hershel’s needs. “They provided the essential items Hershel and our house needed. I cannot describe how much this helped me!” Years later in 2019, Ina joined and participated in the Y’s CHOICE program, receiving a prepared boxed lunch through Aging Ahead after her morning classes at the YMCA. “By the time I was finished with my morning routine, I was hungry and ready to eat. The chicken salad was always my favorite.” Community Options & Services and Case Management Location Support Y’s CHOICE Program Meals on Wheels COVID-19 Emergency Response Support Highlights
Union Senior Center for over five years. Before the pandemic, she looked forward to meeting her friends and sharing a meal, “I really counted on having my meal every day! But when the center closed due to COVID-19, I was worried about how I would safely get my food every day.” Dorothy decided to use our curbside service and pick up her meals once a week from the Union Senior Center. She is glad to have this option so that she can get out of the house and take a nice drive to the center, “I’m so grateful I’m able to still receive my weekly meals. This way I can visit for a few minutes, and I don’t have to risk my health by going to the store.” Dorothy is a retired nurse who has lived through the polio crisis and used to manually pump lungs when there were power outages. She reflected on her past experiences, “My past training has taught me to take all of this in stride, taking one day at a time. Thank you for allowing me and so many others to stay safe and healthy.” COVID-19 Emergency Response Senior Centers Nutrition Support Support Highlights
Telephone Reassurance Foundation Board Advisory Council Silver Haired Legislature Senior Medicare Patrol The past, present, and continued successes of Aging Ahead are due in large part to the skills, talents, and dedication of our volunteers. Volunteers help provide greatly-needed meals, programs, and resources to our communities' older adults. Thank you for all you do! As Aging Ahead strives to address the ever-changing needs of our community, we also stay on the lookout for simple and secure opportunities for participants and donors to Delivering a Difference... Volunteer Introducing our New Friend, the DipJar 2,224 Completed Dips $8,724.35 Donated support us. We introduced DipJars at a few of our centers to offer participants a safe and cashless way to make donations to our senior centers using debit and credit cards. Based on the success of the initial DipJar placements and the generosity of a Foundation member, we were able to welcome DipJars into most of our locations. 15 DipJars
support for the programs and services offered through the Agency. Whether it is through direct financial support, holding an annual “Miles for Meals” 5k, or serving as connectors to potential community partners, the Foundation, representing all four counties in our service area, plays a vital role in meeting the needs of older adults. Through the hard work and advocacy efforts of the dedicated volunteers who make up our Silver Haired Legislature, many critical issues impacting older Missourians receive attention at the local and state levels. The SHL is also committed to providing education and assistance to help ensure all are able to exercise their right to vote. The Aging Ahead Advisory Council is a group of volunteers who provide valuable information, guidance, advice and support to Agency leadership and the Board of Directors in order to help plan, develop, review, coordinate and administer services to older persons. They gather community feedback through their “Your Voice Matters” program. Together Silver Haired Legislature Advisory Council
order to meet the ever-changing needs and interests of the individuals and communities we serve. Through development of cutting edge concepts, best practices, innovative programs, professional associations, and community collaborations, Aging Ahead has demonstrated our role as leaders in the aging network as we support older adults, people with disabilities, and their caregivers. Leaders on the Journey
social isolation with senior center programs, meals, and supportive services including access to technology. Increase access for eligible participants to information options consulting and enrollment in benefits programs. Continued growth of existing programs like Veteran Directed Home and Community Based Services and CHOICE. Expand advocacy, awareness, support funding, and outreach for Aging Ahead services and programs. Aging Ahead plans to fulfill the objectives of the Older Americans Act through continued development and support of a comprehensive community system of services for older persons.
the COVID-19 pandemic, Aging Ahead implemented our Emergency Operations Plan to continue providing critical programs and services to our community’s most vulnerable, at-risk population. To help ensure the safety and well-being of our staff, clients, and volunteers, our center locations were closed to the public and we delivered our supportive services following CDC safety guidelines. In addition, our dedicated and, yes, "essential" staff were able to quickly develop and implement a variety of new services to help combat social isolation among seniors. Many other plans we had for 2020 were adjusted to align with CDC guidelines, including our Choice programing, senior center activities, 2020 Census Awareness Campaign, Miles for Meals 5k, Voter Education Project and much more. • Zero-Contact delivery for all Home Delivered Meals • Telephone Reassurance Program • Essential Products Distribution • Choice programs held virtually • Emergency Meals and Services • Fraud Awareness Information • COVID Information and Resources • Monthly Activity Flyers Responding to the COVID-19 Pandemic with Essential Services 2,663 Total CHOICE Participants Meals Delivered 3/1 - 6/30/2020 296,055 20,753 Telephone Reassurance Calls 3,200 Monthly Activity Flyers
Although the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted every facet of society, older adults are facing unique challenges to meet their basic needs. Aging Ahead is working to address these needs through multiple essential emergency services. Telephone Reassurance Program Being isolated from our family and friends can take a heavy toll on our physical and mental health. Through our Telephone Reassurance Program, staff and volunteers began making thousands of calls each month to help our clients feel connected, check in on their well-being, and offer support and assistance. The program continues to identify areas of need and helps address them. The top 5 challenging areas are: Responding to the COVID-19 Pandemic with Essential Services 20,000+ calls
our staff and clients during the COVID- 19 pandemic, we followed the CDC’s guidelines, with a continued emphasis on ensuring that our most vulnerable, at-risk populations remained safe. For these reasons our senior centers were closed in mid-March, 2020 and will remain closed until further notice. However, Aging Ahead is committed to addressing the nutritional needs of those we serve. We have implemented a Zero Contact Delivery Process. Participants currently receive a weekly 5-pack of frozen meals, ensuring the safety of all. We are also offering curbside assistance to participants that prefer to pick up their meals up from a center location. In addition we have provided 3200 monthly activity flyers to help our home-bound participants remain connected to the agency and their communities. Responding to the COVID-19 Pandemic with Essential Services “The meals are nutritious, and I am so grateful for the food. I don’t know what I would do without it.” -Emergency Home-Delivered Meal Recipient
like information & referral, benefits assistance, and the Family Caregiver Support Program, the COS staff are screening for and registering clients for emergency services. Some of these services include: transportation, incontinence products, nutritional supplements, essential supplies (toilet paper, cleaning products, hand sanitizer, etc). COS is reporting both a dramatic increase in calls and the complexity of the issues expressed by callers. CHOICE In addition to closing our senior center locations, in mid-March, the decision was made to cancel all programs at community locations, including the YMCA and libraries. This closure will be in effect till further notice. Like so many of us, our CHOICE participants have adjusted to some big changes and are now attending CHOICE presentations online through Zoom. The number of presentations and attendees continue to dramatically increase even during the pandemic. Responding to the COVID-19 Pandemic with Essential Services 260 Virtual Presentation 100 New Participants 1,850 Total Participants
Aging Ahead locations in St. Louis, Stay connected with us through social media! We share aging information, news, upcoming events, and activities at centers. Contact Us Stay Connected www.facebook.com/agingahead www.twitter.com/agingahead www.instagram.com/agingahead Call: (800) 243-6060 Click: www.agingahead.org
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