About Us

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Mission | The Older Americans Act | Legislative Priorities | Performance Report | Strategic Plan | State Plan

Mission

The Mission of the Iowa Department on Aging is to develop a comprehensive, coordinated and cost-effective system of long term living and community support services that help individuals maintain health and independence in their homes and communities.

Our Department & The Older Americans Act

The Iowa Department on Aging serves a fast-growing segment of Iowa's population- people 60 years of age and older. IDA has two divisions- Policy & Administration and Elder Rights/Home & Community-Based Services- that work to accomplish the wide-ranging goals of the Older Americans Act.

The Older Americans Act (OAA) was enacted in 1965 to promote the well-being of older persons and help them remain independent in their communities. The U.S. Administration on Aging distributes federal OAA funds to states, which, in turn, designate Area Agencies on Aging (AAA's) that provide information and services to older persons. Title III of the OAA provides funds to help states organize and pay for meals and a broad range of home & community based services through the AAA's and hundreds of service providers throughout the state; this structure is commonly called the "aging network". All persons age 60 and older are eligible to receive services, but states are required to target assistance to persons with the "greatest social or economic need".

Each state is required by the Older Americans Act to have a state unit on aging. The Iowa Department on Aging is Iowa's state unit on aging. IDA's responsibilities as the state unit on aging include:

• Coordinating all state activities related to the purposes of Title III
• Developing a State Plan on Aging
• Serving as an effective and visible advocate for older persons by:
  • Reviewing and commenting upon all state plans, budgets and policies that affect elders.
• Providing technical assistance to any agency, organization, association or individual representing the needs of elders.
• Assuring that preferences for services will be given to older individuals with greatest economic or social needs.
• Assuring that preference for services will be given to low-income minority and rural older adults.

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Our Department works with Congress and Iowa's General Assembly

The Iowa Department on Aging monitors both federal and state legislation impacting the lives of older Iowans.

At the Federal level, the Department is available to work with members of congress, their staff, constituency groups and members of the general public. In some cases, the Department may offer written or oral testimony on proposed legislation.

At the State level, the Department is also available to work with members of Iowa's General Assembly, caucus staff, constituency groups and members of the general public on matters affecting the lives of adults over the age of 60. During the state legislative session, the Department may pre-file bills, work to support, monitor or oppose proposed legislation and provide information and resources to the legislative body. The state legislative web site may be accessed at http://www.legis.iowa.gov

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IDA State Plan for FFY 2010 - 2013

IDA Strategic Plan for 2013 - 2014

IDA Performance Report for 2010

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