PLANNING AND SERVICE AREA Northeastern Vermont

ACTION PLAN FOR PLANNING

EXHIBIT F-2

Se: forth the plan developed by the Area Agency for carrying out an on-going process of planning, including the methods by which the area agency intends to: (a) establish and re-define objectives and priorities; (b) develop action programs to achieve the objectives; and (c) conduct on-going data gathering and analysis activities related to the needs of the elderly and the resources available to meet such needs. In addition, set forth the steps proposed to improve the operational efficiency, increase the capacity, and integrate, to the extent feasible, the components of the service delivery system in the planning and service area.

Planning is a continuing process, which includes future projections. Priorities and objectives must be continuously redefined as assessments are made of current needs and as evaluations are made of available services. Planning requires consideration of the changing moods and changing needs of the persons for which the planning is being done.

The Area Agency on Aging for Northeastern Vermont plans to take the following actions for continued planning:

1) The data collected by the Information and Referral Service (refer to

Exhibit C-7 & Objective #3, E-2) shall be analyzed and utilized to deter-
mine the needs of older persons throughout the area and the numbers of
unduplicated persons served by various available services.

2) As unmet needs are defined by the data collection system, the staff
of the AAA shall use that data to encourage the provision of needed
services by appropriate agencies or private groups.

3) The AAA staff will continue to meet with representatives of other agencies
local government and the private sector to cooperate in sponsoring and
developing programs to meet priority needs.

4) The AAA will continue to solicit opinions and ideas from the older
persons of the Planning area, through the I&R system, through public
meetings and through informal gatherings at Senior Centers and Title
VII Sites.

The AAA has become somewhat more mature in its operation and is now prepared to conduct more thorough fiscal and programmatic evaluations of current programs. Projects receiving funds through the AAA will report on at least a quarterly basis fiscal and programmatic progress.

Programs that are inadequate or not conducted in the manner outlined in the contracts may be ineligible for continued funding.

(Attach Continuation Sheets as Needed)

St forth the plan developed by the Arca Agency for the pooling of available but untapped resources. Include the
gency(ies) to be involved, whether the area agency or another agency will have lead responsibility for such
activity(ies), and the geographic area within the planning and service area which will be affected. The plan should
give special emphasis to: (a) the Adult Social Services and Medical Services Programs under the Social Security
Ant, (5) programs under Titles VI and VII of the Older Americans Act; (c) General Revenue Sharing funds; and
(d) the information and referral services available in the District Offices of the Social Security Administration.

A major benefit of the Information and Referral Service of the Area Agency on Aging for Northeastern Vermont is the development of a Resource File of services available throughout the planning and service area of Caledonia, Essex and Orleans Counties. (Refer to Exhibit C-7 and E-2 Objective #3). The I&R System also collects data regarding the utilization of available services. The monthly meetings of AAA staff with representatives from other agencies, local government and the private sector will serve to focus attention on underutilized services and build the capabilities for coordinated and full utilization.

The AAA is working with the Health Planning Council and the Home Health Care Agencies to develop needed medical services and extend present services.

Better coordination between the Outreach Aides and the Departments of Social Welfare and Social and Rehabilition Services shall be actively sought to obtain reimbursement of services performed by the AAA and contracts for eligible persons.

The Title VII Nutrition Program is linked very closely with Title III since both programs have the same grantee and the AAA Director has responsibility to Supervise the Title VII program and to coordinate the programs for maximum efficiency and provision of services to the Title VII participants.

Local governments are supporting the senior centers in many of the towns and, in some instances, support neighboring senior centers that serve other towns. The AAA Newsletter is mailed to all Town Clerks (49 Townships) and to all Town Representatives to the Regional Planning and Development Commission. The AAA shall continue to encourage local governments to support services for older persons and will provide technical assistance.

The District Office of the Social Security Administration readily accepts referrals from the AAA. Confidentiality is a major problem in obtaining information from SSA.

(Attach Continuation Sheets as Needed)