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Original Date: 01/22/2001
Revision Date: 01/18/2007
Best Practice : Access Program
The Access Program has achieved substantial goals in providing social services to a very remote area of northeastern Tennessee. The satisfaction factor of both the recipients and sponsor, First Tennessee Area on Aging, is to be commended. For this Program to remain viable as a stand-alone agency, major intervention at the Federal, state, and local government levels is required.
The Access Program is a cooperative effort partially funded by the Federal government to provide assistance to aging Americans. This pilot program came about as a result of a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation grant. Of the eight original charters, First Tennessee Area on Aging is the remaining participant that provides this Program through Older American Act funding.
First Tennessee Area on Aging opens the door for older persons to receive assistance in areas such as information on financial relief; referral to other help agencies and outreach programs; individual quality of life assessments; and case management studies and follow-ups. Additionally, this Agency provides information to recipients on community-oriented services (e.g., warm meals, fuel allotments); sets up appointments and arranges service when needed; and responds to requests from concerned relatives/acquaintances that live outside the region. The Agency will assess an individual’s need for supportive care, whether it be in the individual’s home or other convenient facilities. In some cases, First Tennessee Area on Aging has arranged for local financial institutions to manage money for recipients.
The Access Program prides itself on the deep personal relationships and involvement which develop between the client and the agency personnel. This interaction is typical for the lifestyle (i.e., taking care of our own) in this region of northeastern Tennessee. The Access Program is an excellent vehicle to ensure an improvement in the quality of life for older people, particularly in the area of healthcare.
For more information see the
Point of Contact for this survey.
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