The Older Americans Act provides funding for services aimed at supporting older adults, and these funds are now available in several Oklahoma counties.

According to a recent article in Kay NewsCow, the Long Term Care Authority of Enid Area Agency on Aging is managing the distribution of these funds through a Request for Proposal (RFP) process. This means that legally formed public, private, or not-for-profit organizations can apply to receive funding for programs that benefit older adults in Oklahoma.

What kind of services are we talking about?

The funds cover a broad range of essential services, including:

• Home repair: Helping seniors maintain their homes and independence.
• Legal assistance and community education: Providing access to vital legal services and information.
• Transportation: Ensuring seniors can get to appointments, errands, and social activities.
• Outreach: Connecting with older adults who may need assistance.
• Congregate and home-delivered meals: Addressing nutritional needs and combating social isolation.
• Nutrition counseling and education: Promoting healthy eating habits.
• Health promotion and disease prevention: Supporting overall well-being.
• Caregiver support: Recognizing and assisting those who care for aging loved ones.

Why should GenX care?

Many of us are either already caregivers for our parents or anticipating that role. These funds can directly impact the availability and quality of services our parents rely on. Furthermore, understanding these resources now can help us plan for our own futures.

How to learn more:

Organizations interested in applying for these funds should contact Valerie Snethen, AAA Director, for service specifications and a proposal guide. The deadline for applications is March 28th. A mandatory proposers’ conference will be held on March 14th; RSVP by March 10th. Check the Kay NewsCow article for contact information.

This isn’t just about “old people.” It’s about ensuring a robust support system for our families and ourselves as we navigate the realities of aging.