The Information and Assistance (I&A) program is the largest program within the Rio Grande Area Agency on Aging. I & A units are documented in accordance with the I & A definition: Services which inform, guide, direct and link individuals to appropriate human services resources. This may include include individual client screening and/or assessment, which is a process of gathering and analyzing all pertinent information to identify an individual's strengths and needs for the purpose of determining a plan to assist the individuals in the achievement of objectives and goals.

Additionally, the Rio Grande Area Agency on Aging has been designated an Area Information Center by the Texas Information and Referral Network.

The intent of the program is to realize a statewide information system to encompass all community resources. A grant form the Cancer foundation has allowed the AAA to establish a staff person and the technology to initialize the data entry process of all community resources within the six county region. Once the system is in place, it is anticipated that by FY2001, the Health and Human Services Commission will establish an annual funding process to enhance and continue to increase the quality of information services. The information system will be set up in a manner that will be user friendly and will be available to the community with information needs to improve accessibility of services.

Ageless Health Initiative:

An initiative of the Paso del Norte Health Foundation with administrative and technical support from the Rio Grande Area Agency on Aging. The Ageless Health Initiative develops or expands volunteer-based projects to support independent, healthy living and prevention of isolation for persons 60 years and older in the Paso del Norte region. The Initiative also seeks to create: 1) attitudinal change about aging, both in the general community and among seniors themselves; and 2) systemic change in programming and services for older adults.

Caregiver Support Program:

A program designed to address and meet the needs of unpaid caregivers. To be eligible for the services of the Caregiver Support Program, the unpaid caregiver must be providing care to an older (60+) individual that still resides in the community. Unpaid caregivers are usually spouses or children caring for their loved one. These services are not meant to replace the caregiver, but only to support what they are already doing.

Direct Purchase of Services:

In an effort to promote a seamless system for our elderly accessing an utilizing services, the AAA implemented the Direct Purchase of Services (DPS) program, which is a component of the Information and Assistance program. Each individual enrolled into this program is thoroughly assessed. Identified needs are met through a vast network of DPS vendors and inter-agency agreements. The network focus is to provide a myriad of social support to maximize elderly independence and dignity. Services include: Congregate and Homebound Meals, Homemaker Services, Personal Assistance, Adult Day Care, Medical Transportation, Health Screening and Maintenance, Hospice, Mental Health and counseling Services.

Nursing Home Ombudsman:

The Staff Ombudsman and certified ombudsman volunteers are advocates for nursing home residents. The ombudsmen mediate resident, family and nursing home staff concerns striving to maintain quality of care an quality of life for our elderly residing in area nursing homes.

Benefits Counseling:

The Benefits Counselor assists elderly who need information and assistance in obtaining and maintaining basic entitlements such as social security, Medicare, Medicaid, SSI and other entitlements. Also provides assistance throughout the appeal process of all entitlements and non-legal housing disputes.

Care Coordination:

The intent of this program is to ensure frail seniors the opportunity to maintain their independence in their home environment. This is accomplished through specialized assessments and care plans to meet individual client needs.

Rural Services Coordinator:

The Rural Coordinator serves the five rural counties of the PSA. All AAA services are provided in the rural area through this position. In addition, the coordinator manages a volunteer representation payee and money management program.

El Paso Times Senior Fund:

Each Christmas holiday season the El Paso Times conducts a fund drive to raise money as a means to finance the special needs of senior citizens. The El Paso Times coordinates with the AAA to maximize the contributions for the greater needs of seniors residing in El Paso County. All persons over the age of 60 who are in need of assistance apply directly to the AAA. All applications requesting services that cannot be met through existing community resources are provided through the Senior Fund.

Telephone Lifeline Program:

The AAA, in coordination with the El Paso Fire Department, manages a telephone lifeline program designed to make daily calls to frail elderly who live alone. The Fire Department places calls every morning, seven days a week to inquire about the health and safety of the client. Emergencies are handled by the Fire Department and other needs identified are reported to the I & A Specialist who arranges the appropriate services.

Silver Haired Legislature:

Every two years, the AAA conducts a region wide campaign to inform persons over 60 years of age the opportunity to apply as a candidate for the Silver Haired Legislature. The election process is conducted with assistance from the County Elections Department and senior centers throughout the region. Participation as a legislator provides seniors the opportunity to influence the State Legislature in the passage of bills or resolutions that benefit the elderly throughout the state.

Seniors Accessing Long-Term Care through Strategic Planning and Advocacy, S.A.L.S.A.:

A Community Partnerships for Older Adults Project, funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, that will create a long-term care social system that is accessible to older adults in the El Paso region. S.A.L.S.A.'s Vision is to create unity among the family (consumer) network, service provider network, partnership network (private organizations, businesses, and civic leaders), and community action panels in developing a service delivery system for older adults.

In addition to the above direct services AAA staff provide extensive:

Client and System Advocacy

Education and Outreach

System Development

Program Development

Coalition Building

Coordinated Planning

Advocacy