In developing the NFCSP, AoA conducted a series of roundtable discussions with caregivers of older persons who have chronic illnesses or disabilities.
These discussions were held in more than 30 cities across the United States, and allowed AoA to gain a more complete understanding of the day-to-day challenges faced by families caring for their older relatives, and to obtain additional insights into the types of services and supports that would respond to the needs of these and other caregivers. The National Aging Network
Under the authority of the Older Americans Act, AoA leads a national aging network to plan, coordinate, and provide home and community and faith-based services to meet the unique needs of older persons and their caregivers. AoA’s aging network includes: 56 State Units on Aging, 655 Area Agencies on Aging, 233 Tribal and native organizations representing 300 American Indian and Alaska Native Tribal organizations and 2 organizations serving Native Hawaiians, plus thousands of service providers, adult care centers, caregivers, and volunteers.
Who to Contact for Help
The local AAA is one of the first resources a caregiver should contact when help is needed.Almost every state has one or more AAA, which serve local communities, older residents, and their families. (In a few states, the State Unit or Office on Aging serves as the AAA.) Local AAA’s are generally listed in the city or county government sections of the telephone directory under “Aging” or “Social Services.” The Eldercare Locator
AoA supports a nationwide, toll-free information and assistance directory called the Eldercare Locator, which can locate the appropriate AAA to help an individual needing assistance for their loved ones, relatives, or friends. Older persons and caregivers can call the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
