SAN JUAN BASIN AREA AGENCY ON AGING
Making a Difference for Seniors Today
History
In response to the growing number of seniors and their diverse needs, the Older American Act (OAA) of 1965 provides a range of support services to allow older persons to live independently, even if they are not fully able to care for themselves.
The OAA principle is simple:
Older adults are entitled to spend their retirement years in good health, independence, and dignity.
To put this idea into action, the OAA created a network of Area Agencies on Aging and Native American Aging Programs in communities across the country. The Act established the Administration on Aging (AoA) at the federal level. AoA awards funds to State Units on Aging, based on the senior population. The State is divided into Planning and Service Areas (PSA); programs are effectively developed and targeted to meet the unique needs of elders residing in that area.
Colorado funds 16 AAAs, which in turn fund local service providers. AAA-Region 9 includes the counties of Archuleta, Dolores, La Plata, Montezuma, and San Juan.
Services in each county may include the following:
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Congregate Meal and Home-Delivered Meals
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Transportation
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Home Chores
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Home Health and Personal Care
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Client Assessment
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Care Management
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Legal Services
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Elder Abuse Prevention
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Caregiver Support
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Health Insurance Counseling
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Employment Services
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Volunteer Opportunities
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Ombudsman Program, which helps resolve complaints involving long-term care facilities
Services are available to all persons age 60 and older.
The county Senior Centers contract with the AAA for most of these services. Legal assistance is with attorneys within the five-county area. The local health departments provide caregiver support, home health, and personal care, and the required Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program and Registered Dietitian are independent contracts, funded by the AAA.
Request for Proposals (RFP) for services are accepted annually, usually in April.
What We Do
Furthering our cause to help seniors is the most important goal of our organization. We seek to support, empower, and provide high-quality resources to our community in a safe and secure environment. Our success isn’t measured in terms of wealth or profit margin, but by the value we provide to those we serve.
Mobility and Transportation
With our organization’s mission always in mind, we strive to find new strategies for dealing with this challenge. We take mobility and transportation very seriously, and our team is working each and every day to make a positive impact. Contact us to learn more about our commitment to this cause.
Food Services
At San Juan Basin Area Agency on Aging, we are dedicated to stepping up our efforts in addressing this issue. Food services are by no means an easy feat to provide, but through cooperation and community empowerment we help facilitate progress in this area. We are always striving to make a difference and invite you to learn more and lend your support.
“Kindness is the language
which the deaf can hear and the blind can see”
Mark Twain
CONTACT
San Juan Basin
Area Agency on Aging
451 Hot Springs Blvd
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
(970) 264-0501
