UTAH STATE PLAN AGING & ADULT SERVICESThe Older Americans Act Fiscal Years 2020 - 2023 October 1, 2019 - September 30, 2023 Division of Aging & Adult Services Utah Department of Human Se
Executive Summary
Under the Older Americans Act, the Utah Division of Aging and Adult Services is required to develop and submit a State Plan on Aging every four years This plan, effective October 1, 2019 through September 30, 2023, describes Utah’s aging services landscape, outlines the Division’s four-year objectives for programs serving older adults, and defines the direction of Utah’s aging network for the coming years It also provides assurances of compliance with the Older Americans Act and offers detailed information about the current aging network The plan is organized into sections designed to convey the state’s aging status, program goals, and the Division’s responsibilities in advancing aging services across Utah.
Context: Aging Services in Utah
Updates to Specific Inititatives Included in the Previous Four-Year Plan
development opportunities Health insurance information programs provide opportunities for older adults to make informed decisions regarding their care and benefits
In-home services, including the Alternatives program and the Medicaid Aging Waiver, help older adults receive care that matches their needs while preventing premature institutionalization The Caregiver Support Program ensures that the many caregivers who provide the majority of seniors’ care also receive adequate support themselves Together, these initiatives promote safe, home-based care that preserves independence and strengthens the overall caregiving system.
Caregiver support programs are expanding as demand grows for older adults—primarily grandparents—who are raising their grandchildren The primary drivers include a range of social challenges, with the opioid epidemic and incarceration significantly impacting families here in the state and across the nation This trend underscores the need for accessible resources, services, and policy support to help grandparent caregivers provide stable, healthy environments for their grandchildren.
This plan centers on the core principle of choice as the foundation of aging services in Utah, with the state and its partners equipping older adults with tools, education, and services to help them continue making informed choices throughout their lives By providing resources that support decision-making, the Division aims to empower older adults to exercise autonomy while maintaining their personal desires and abilities Adult Protective Services, the Long-Term Care Ombudsman, and legal services programs collaborate to safeguard the safety, well-being, and dignity of older adults while honoring their preferences As Utah’s aging population grows, demand on Adult Protective Services increases, particularly for financial issues, which strains the resources historically allocated to these concerns.
Part III – Guiding Principles in Developing Objectives
This section outlines the division’s guiding principles and foundational concepts used to shape the plan’s objectives and targets It translates these ideas into comprehensive, measurable benchmarks that gauge how often and how effectively older adults receive services Taken together, these benchmarks provide a lens for aging services that is thorough, efficient, client-centered, and feasible within today’s economic and political climate.
This section outlines the Division's services, whether delivered directly or through the aging network, and its objectives to maintain and improve those services It identifies the specific tasks designed to meet these objectives and presents the information in four sections, as required by the plan’s Program Instructions for the Older Americans Act Core Programs.
Discretionary Grants, Participant-Directed/Person-Centered Planning, and Elder Justice
This section outlines Utah’s funding formula and presents the state rule that ensures aging funding is properly allocated and expended It provides basic funding information for Utah, including how funds for aging services are calculated, tracked, and distributed These details clarify the overall framework for Utah’s aging funding and how it is managed to support eligible programs.
This section includes the assurances required by the Administration for Community Living for proper operation of Older Americans Act programs and agency administration in Utah
This section includes information on the Division and Area Agencies on Aging in Utah
Finally, organizational charts for the Division and Adult Protective Services are included
Aging services in Utah and nationwide are expanding and adapting to the evolving needs of older adults As the senior population grows and lifespans lengthen, the options available—from in‑home care and assisted living to medical and community services—continue to broaden, improve, and become more accessible This growth reflects ongoing efforts to support longer, healthier lives and to meet the diverse needs of aging individuals across Utah and the United States.
Policy and funding decisions will shape the future of aging services, and decision makers will rely on accurate, data-driven information from the aging services network to understand options and act on the choices ahead The Division and its partners look forward to participating in this process and expect the plan to position us to meet upcoming challenges and the evolving needs of aging services in Utah.
Context: Aging Services in Utah
Part II – Context: Aging in Utah
A SUMMARY OF UTAH’S FOUR-YEAR PLAN
To receive funding under the Older Americans Act of 2016, each state must submit a periodic state plan to the Administration for Community Living (ACL) In Utah, the development of this plan is the responsibility of the Utah State Division of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS), which oversees all aging services in the state.
Developing this plan is a collaborative process that involves more than DAAS staff, incorporating input from Utah’s twelve Area Agencies on Aging (AAA), the State Board of Aging and Adult Services, the State Advisory Council, the general public, and other concerned agencies and organizations throughout the state.
Each year, official program monitoring visits are conducted in every Area Agency on Aging in Utah for all programs under the Older Americans Act, including the Utah Developed Alternatives program and the Medicaid Aging Waiver During these visits, reviewers assess local efforts to serve older adults with the greatest need in three core areas: economic need, social need, and risk for institutional placement, while also examining financial elements, documentation, and other program compliance requirements As part of the monitoring, program managers meet with randomly selected clients in the service settings to gain firsthand insight These monitoring activities provide an opportunity for the Division and the Area Agencies on Aging to identify best practices and opportunities for process improvement, aiming to deliver better, more effective, and more affordable services for older residents across the state The Division and its partners also continue to assess how to reach low-income minority older adults, older adults with limited English proficiency, and older adults living in rural areas.
Utah, like all states, faces a mix of challenges and opportunities, and aging services address a critical need while representing a sound investment The Division, together with its aging network partners, is dedicated to achieving the best possible outcomes for Utah’s older adults and ensuring these services are delivered as effectively as possible to maximize their health, well-being, and independence.
B UPDATES TO SPECIFIC INITIATIVES INCLUDED IN THE PREVIOUS FOUR- YEAR PLAN
The Utah Commission on Aging, established in 2005, has long served as a strong voice for Utah’s older adults by providing advocacy, research, and networking opportunities for seniors and the agencies that serve them.
Since its reauthorization, the Commission has continued to receive ongoing funding and remains housed within the University of Utah’s Gerontology Department, ensuring stable support for its work Although leadership and support changes briefly lowered its profile, the appointment of a new Executive Director in 2016 has reenergized and expanded the Commission with measurable success The Commission now meets bi-monthly, offering a valuable forum for engaging stakeholders on issues that directly affect older adults and their caregivers, and the Division continues to participate and value this partnership.
The Division and the AAAs remain key resources in helping older adults get where they need to go They maintain ongoing partnerships with the Utah Department of Transportation and URSTA (the Urban Rural and Specialized Transportation Association) The Division, the AAAs, and URSTA are committed to the further development of effective, accessible transportation for all citizens in Utah.
Demographic Trends
The Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget (GOMB) uses census data to develop Utah’s demographic information and updates that data annually through recalculations based on trends and new information After seven to eight years of updating the most recent census data, GOMB stops providing annual updates because the estimates become too far removed from the original source data The Division is looking forward to updated demographic data following the upcoming 2020 census.
Geographic and Demographic Trends and Characteristics:
Located in the Intermountain West, Utah spans 82,168.2 square miles and ranks as the eleventh largest state in the nation While often viewed as rural, Utah actually encompasses both rural and urban areas Utah Administrative Rule R510-108-1 (1994) defines rural as counties with a population density of fewer than 100 persons per square mile Under this rule, the urban counties—Davis, Salt Lake, Utah, and Weber—together account for about 75% of Utah’s 3.16 million residents.
Utah's 25 counties are divided into sixteen rural counties and nine transitional counties that blend rural and urban characteristics Rural counties account for 6.77% of Utah’s population, while 17.93% of residents live in transitional counties.
In Utah, 69.6% of the state's 65+ population lives in urban areas, while 30.4% reside in rural and transitional counties In 2018, the six counties with the largest share of 65+ residents relative to their total population were identified.
The five counties with the smallest percentage of 65+ individuals as a proportion of the county’s total population in 2018 were:
Statewide: Major statewide population trends will be ones of growth and a continuation of Utah’s unique demographic characteristics Some of the more salient trends include the following:
- The statewide total population in 2018 was 3,161,000, and it is expected to increase to 4,464,000 by the year 2040, reflecting an increase of 41%
- Recent population trends indicate Utah is the fastest growing state in the nation
- Utah ranks first among all states nationally having the most youthful population
Utah's median age was 30.6 years in 2018, more than seven years younger than the U.S median of 37.8 years While Utah remains a young state relative to the nation, its average age has been rising and is tracking the upward national demographic trend.
- Much of Utah’s future growth will be fueled by its relatively high birthrate and expected overall immigration during the next 15 years
Older Adult Population: Major trends and figures describing Utah’s older adult population include:
- Utah’s total 65+ population was 407,347 in 2018 and is expected to double in the next fifty years
- Utah’s 65+ population is currently 10.2% of the State’s total population This is expected to increase to 20% by the year 2065
Historical research consistently shows that women tend to outlive men, and the gap in life expectancy becomes most evident in older age As people move from their sixties into their eighties and beyond, women are more likely to reach advanced ages than men Biological factors, lifestyle choices, and differences in access to healthcare all contribute to women's longer lifespan Understanding this trend helps explain why older adult populations include more women at the oldest ages.
Utah’s elderly population shows a higher number of women than men, reflecting a common age-structure pattern As in many places, the share of men aged 65 and older is smaller than the corresponding share of women When both genders reach 85 and older, the proportion of men in the state’s elderly population declines even further relative to women, shaping the aging gender balance in Utah.
This pattern can be seen in the following table that shows Utah’s older adult population as a percent of the total 65+ and 85+ for the year 2010
Utah’s minority older adults currently constitute a relatively small share of the 65+ population, but this group is projected to grow in the coming years, contributing to the state’s growing diversity and shaping the future needs of Utah’s aging population.
- Utah’s minority population comprises approximately 7.45% of the State’s total 65+ population
Utah's Hispanic population is among the state's fastest-growing ethnic minority groups, a trend that mirrors the broader national pattern This rapid growth is expected to continue and will influence Utah's older adult population in the years to come.
Utah’s 65+ minority population exhibits a distinctive geographic pattern While the statewide share of older adults is relatively small, some regions show high concentrations of particular minority groups, whereas other areas are markedly sparse.
Overview of the Services and Contracting
development opportunities Health insurance information programs provide opportunities for older adults to make informed decisions regarding their care and benefits
In-home services, including the Alternatives program and the Medicaid Aging Waiver, are designed to provide older adults with care that fits their needs while preventing premature institutionalization The Caregiver Support Program ensures that the people delivering much of our seniors’ care—family and informal caregivers—also receive the support and resources they need Together, these programs form a robust, home-based care framework that promotes independent living for seniors at home and sustains the caregivers who make it possible.
Caregiver program continues to see growth in the need to support older adults (most often grandparents) in caring for grandchildren due to a number of issues, but particularly as a result of the opioid epidemic and/or incarceration both here in the state and across the nation
This plan will further discuss the core principle of choice, which the state and its partners seek to have as a foundation of all aging services By providing tools and education along with services, the Division seeks to provide older adults with the ability to continue to make informed choices as they have throughout their adult lives Finally, Adult Protective Services, the Long-term Care Ombudsman, and legal service programs work to ensure older adults can maintain their safety and well-being while also maintaining their personal desires and abilities Adult Protective Services continues to see case growth as Utah’s older adult population increases As this population grows, the number and complexity of cases, particularly cases involving financial issues, grows along with it and taxes the resources that have historically been allocated for these issues
Part III – Guiding Principles in Developing Objectives
This section outlines the core principles and foundational ideas that guide the Division in developing the objectives and targets for this plan By breaking these ideas into comprehensive, measurable benchmarks, we can gauge how often and how effectively older adults receive services Taken together, these benchmarks provide a lens for aging services that is thorough, efficient, sensitive to the needs of clients, and feasible within our current economic and political climate.
This section details the Division's services, delivered directly or through the aging network, and outlines the objectives for maintaining and improving these services It lists specific tasks designed to meet these objectives The information is organized into four sections in accordance with the plan’s Program Instructions for Older Americans Act Core Programs.
Discretionary Grants, Participant-Directed/Person-Centered Planning, and Elder Justice
This brief section outlines Utah's funding formula and highlights the state's rule designed to ensure aging funding is properly allocated and expended It also provides essential basic funding information for Utah, clarifying how funds are allocated across programs and the key oversight practices that maintain fiscal accountability.
This section includes the assurances required by the Administration for Community Living for proper operation of Older Americans Act programs and agency administration in Utah
This section includes information on the Division and Area Agencies on Aging in Utah
Finally, organizational charts for the Division and Adult Protective Services are included
Utah aging services and aging services nationwide are continually expanding and adapting to the changing needs of older adults As the number of seniors grows and lifespans lengthen, the options and supports available to them will continue to evolve to meet those demands.
Policy and funding decisions will significantly shape the future of aging services, and decision makers will rely on accurate, data-driven information from the aging services network to understand and act on the choices ahead The Division and its partners are excited to participate in this process and believe the plan will better position us to meet the challenges and address the needs that will arise as aging services progress in Utah.
Context: Aging Services in Utah
Part II – Context: Aging in Utah
A SUMMARY OF UTAH’S FOUR-YEAR PLAN
To receive funding under the Older Americans Act, each state must submit a periodic state plan to the Administration for Community Living (ACL) In Utah, the development of this plan is the responsibility of the Utah State Division of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS/Division), which oversees all aging services in the state.
Development of this plan is a cooperative effort that involves more than DAAS staff and reflects input from Utah’s twelve Area Agencies on Aging (AAA), the State Board of Aging and Adult Services, the State Advisory Council, the general public, and other concerned agencies and organizations throughout the state.
On an annual basis, official program monitoring visits are conducted in each Area Agency on Aging in Utah for every program under the Older Americans Act, including the Utah-developed Alternatives program and the Medicaid Aging Waiver During these visits, staff review local efforts to assist older individuals with the greatest need in three priority areas—economic need, social need, and risk for institutional placement—alongside financial elements, documentation, and other compliance requirements Program managers also meet with randomly selected clients in the settings where services are provided to gauge outcomes and drive continuous improvement These monitoring efforts offer an opportunity for the Division and the AAAs to identify best practices, pursue process improvements, and deliver better, more effective, and more affordable services for older adults across the state, while maintaining focus on expanding access for low-income minority older adults, those with limited English proficiency, and older adults residing in rural areas.
Like every state, Utah faces a mix of challenges and opportunities, and aging services meet a real need while representing a solid investment in our communities The Division, together with its aging network partners, is committed to achieving the best possible outcomes for older adults by delivering aging services in the most effective ways to maximize health, well-being, and independence for Utah’s aging population.
B UPDATES TO SPECIFIC INITIATIVES INCLUDED IN THE PREVIOUS FOUR- YEAR PLAN
The Utah Commission on Aging, created in 2005, has long served as a strong voice for Utah’s older adults, advancing advocacy, research, and networking opportunities for seniors and the agencies that serve them Originally scheduled to expire, its status and ongoing role remain a focus of policy discussions as the state continues to prioritize aging and elder services.
Reauthorized and funded, the Commission is housed within the University of Utah’s Gerontology Department While leadership changes reduced its profile in recent years, a new Executive Director appointed in 2016 has reenergized and expanded the Commission, delivering notable success It now meets bi-monthly to serve as a vital forum for engaging stakeholders on issues affecting older adults and their caregivers, and the Division continues to participate, valuing this partnership.
The Division and the Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) remain primary resources that help older adults reach their destinations, backed by ongoing partnerships and connections to transportation options They maintain a collaborative network with the Utah Department of Transportation and URSTA (the Urban Rural and Specialized Transportation Association) to coordinate accessible, reliable transportation across Utah communities The Division, the AAAs, and URSTA are committed to advancing the development of effective, accessible transportation for all Utah residents.
DAAS Partnerships with Other Agencies
The Division understands that it cannot alone significantly improve the lives of Utah’s older adults To achieve the best outcomes, it emphasizes collaboration with partner agencies within the aging network to deliver essential services, coordinate care, and maximize available resources—ensuring the needs of Utah’s older adults are met.
Faced with constrained resources and ongoing economic fluctuations, organizations must minimize redundancy, stretch limited resources, and enhance coordination with like-minded agencies This overview highlights notable partnerships to illustrate how collaborative, resource-efficient efforts can amplify impact, while clarifying that the list is not exhaustive and entries are not presented in any specific order.
AAAs are the Division’s main partners in delivering services to Utah’s older adults, and the Division highly values these relationships Division staff and AAA staff meet regularly to coordinate, share best practices and training, and collaborate on a variety of program initiatives.
Utah Department of Human Services (DHS)
Within the Utah Department of Human Services, the Division works to advance the department’s mission and meet the Governor’s goals for supporting Utah’s vulnerable populations It maintains regular collaboration with the Division of Services to People with Disabilities and the Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health to address the health and well-being of older adults served by these divisions.
URSTA provides training opportunities to small agencies, including senior centers, by pooling resources and tapping into opportunities that are usually out of reach for very small organizations The Division of Aging, a member of the aging network, sits on URSTA’s board and believes URSTA offers strong support and meaningful opportunities for Utah’s transportation providers serving older adults, particularly those in rural areas.
While the primary contact with Utah’s Native American Tribes with regard to aging services is with the local Area Agencies on Aging, the Division actively participates with a
A state department council brings together representatives from diverse divisions, representatives from each tribe, the Indian Walk-In Center, the Utah Division of Indian Affairs, and other public and private agencies to guide tribal needs The council meets regularly across the state to better serve tribal communities In addition, Adult Protective Services collaborates with tribes to develop and coordinate policies and services for tribal elders, focusing on safety and abuse prevention.
The Utah Commission on Aging serves as a central coordinating hub and information clearinghouse for aging issues and services across the public, private, business, and academic sectors The Division actively participates, shares relevant information, and coordinates efforts with partner agencies to benefit Utah's older adults.
Coordinating Council for the Utah State Plan for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related
The Division continues to participate in a range of committees and initiatives addressing Alzheimer's disease and related dementias These efforts coordinate and leverage the resources of state, county, and local agencies, healthcare providers, non-profit organizations, and provider agencies across the state, strengthening collaboration and impact in dementia care and support.
U S Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration (Utah’s Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)
SCSEP, the Senior Community Service Employment Program, is a work-based job training and community service program for older Americans Authorized by the Older Americans Act, it provides training for low-income, unemployed seniors and offers employment assistance through American Job Centers Participants gain work experience in community service activities at nonprofit and public facilities such as schools, hospitals, day-care centers, and senior centers They typically work about 20 hours per week and are paid the highest wage among federal, state, or local minimum wages This training acts as a bridge to unsubsidized employment opportunities for participants.
DAAS and the DOL will continue their partnership in the Utah SCSEP program With changes in Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) - WIOA regulations, the Utah
SCSEP program has become a required partner in WIOA programs The changes will help the Utah SCSEP program align its program with new national Workforce development systems under WIOA
Utah Department of Workforce Services
Under the National SCSEP changes aligned with WIOA, the Utah Department of Workforce Services has invited Utah SCSEP to become a partner in WIOA services in Utah As a WIOA partner, the Utah SCSEP program can coordinate more effectively with local American Job Centers and deliver seamless, customer-focused service delivery The program can now refer eligible participants and ineligible applicants to all WIOA career services and connect them with other activities and programs offered by American Job Centers in Utah.
Partnering with centers will enable the Utah SCSEP to help older Americans and expand employment opportunities The Utah SCSEP program has become a non-voting member of the State Workforce Development Board and joined the Operations group.
The Elder and Vulnerable Adult Abuse Committee
The Elder and Vulnerable Adult Abuse (EVAA) Committee is a multi-disciplinary screening team consisting of members from Salt Lake County District Attorney’s office, Adult
Protective Services, in partnership with a forensic nurse, support Law Enforcement Officers across Salt Lake County by encouraging the use of the EVVA screening team to present criminal investigations involving an Elder or Vulnerable Adult, with case screening also conducted through the District Attorney and a continuum of support from participating agencies Central Region APS views the EVVA team as a valuable collaborative tool for delivering a broad array of resources to serve the vulnerable population The extensive networking among agencies within the EVVA Committee has produced numerous successful resolutions to the problems faced by the clients we serve.
The United States Administration for Community Living (ACL)
The Division maintains a close alignment with the Administration for Community Living (ACL), coordinating its activities with ACL on an ongoing basis ACL provides extensive support and technical expertise to the Division, which appreciates these efforts and remains committed to sustaining this critical partnership.
In addition, the Division works with a number of other agencies at various levels Some of these include:
• The Utah Department of Community and Culture
• The Utah Developmental Disabilities Council
• The Utah Office of Health Disparities Reductions
• The Alzheimer’s Association Utah Chapter
• The Goodwill Initiative on Aging Coalition
• The Utah Hospice and Palliative Organization
• The U of U Stroke Survivors Program
• The Utah State Veteran Administration
• The Utah Department of Health
Guiding Principles in Developing State Plan Objectives
This section outlines the Division's core principles and foundational ideas used to shape the plan's objectives and targets, translating these ideas into comprehensive, measurable benchmarks that track both the frequency and quality of services received by older adults Together, these benchmarks offer a practical lens for aging services—ensuring thorough, efficient, client-centered care that responds to the needs of older adults while remaining feasible within the current economic and policy environment.
Plan Objectives
Focus Area III - Participant Directed/Centered Planning
development opportunities Health insurance information programs provide opportunities for older adults to make informed decisions regarding their care and benefits
In-home care services, including the Alternatives program and the Medicaid Aging Waiver, ensure older adults receive care tailored to their needs while preventing premature institutionalization The Caregiver Support Program provides essential backing for the people who deliver most of our seniors’ care, helping to sustain families and avoid caregiver burnout Additionally, our aging services focus on accessibility, continuity of care, and the overall well-being of both seniors and their caregivers.
The caregiver program is expanding as more older adults—often grandparents—step in to care for their grandchildren This growing need is driven by a range of challenges, with the opioid epidemic and incarceration playing a central role both in our state and across the nation The trend highlights the importance of caregiver support services and resources to help grandfamilies maintain stability and ensure the wellbeing of children.
This plan centers on choice as the foundational principle for aging services, guiding the state and its partners to empower older adults with tools, education, and services that enable them to continue making informed choices as they have throughout adulthood Through the coordinated efforts of Adult Protective Services, the Long-Term Care Ombudsman, and legal services programs, the goal is to safeguard the safety and well-being of older adults while honoring their personal desires and preserving their abilities As Utah’s older adult population grows, Adult Protective Services is seeing increasing case growth and greater complexity, particularly in financial issues, which strains the resources that have historically supported these efforts.
Part III – Guiding Principles in Developing Objectives
This section outlines the core principles and foundational ideas guiding the Division as it develops the plan’s objectives and targets, translating these ideas into comprehensive, measurable benchmarks that monitor how often and how effectively services are delivered to older adults Together, these benchmarks provide a framework for aging services that are thorough, efficient, sensitive to client needs, and feasible within today’s economic and political landscape.
This section describes the services delivered through the Division, either directly or via the aging network, and defines the objectives for maintaining and improving those services It identifies the specific tasks designed to meet these objectives and ensure effective program delivery The information is organized to show how the Division coordinates with the aging network, monitors performance, and drives continual improvement The material is structured into four sections as required by the plan’s Program Instructions – Older Americans Act Core Programs, aligning with the program’s standards and SEO-friendly organization.
Discretionary Grants, Participant-Directed/Person-Centered Planning, and Elder Justice
This concise section explains Utah’s funding formula, details the state rule designed to ensure aging funding is properly allocated and expended, and provides essential basic information about the state’s funding landscape, including how allocations are calculated, monitored, and reported to support aging services.
This section includes the assurances required by the Administration for Community Living for proper operation of Older Americans Act programs and agency administration in Utah
This section includes information on the Division and Area Agencies on Aging in Utah
Finally, organizational charts for the Division and Adult Protective Services are included
Aging services in Utah and across the nation are expanding and adapting to the evolving needs of older adults As the number of seniors grows and they are living longer lives, the range of care, housing, and support options available to them will continue to evolve.
Policy and funding decisions will shape the future of aging services, and decision-makers will need accurate, data-driven information from the aging services network to understand and act on the choices ahead The Division and its partners are eager to participate in this process, and they anticipate that the plan will better position us to meet upcoming challenges and address the evolving needs of aging services in Utah.
Context: Aging Services in Utah
Part II – Context: Aging in Utah
A SUMMARY OF UTAH’S FOUR-YEAR PLAN
To receive funding under the Older Americans Act (2016), every state must periodically submit a State Plan to the Administration for Community Living (ACL) In Utah, the Utah State Division of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS) is responsible for developing this plan, overseeing all aging services across the state.
The development of this plan is a collaborative effort involving more than the DAAS staff It results from input provided by Utah’s twelve Area Agencies on Aging (AAA), the State Board of Aging and Adult Services, the State Advisory Council, the general public, and other concerned agencies and organizations throughout the state.
On an annual basis, official program monitoring visits are conducted in each Area Agency on Aging in Utah for each program under the Older Americans Act, as well as the Utah developed Alternatives program and the Medicaid Aging Waiver During each monitoring visit, attention is paid to reviewing local efforts to provide services to older individuals with greatest need in three areas: economic need, social need and risk for institutional placement Financial elements of the program are reviewed along with documentation and other program compliance requirements As part of the monitoring visit, program managers meet with random clients in the settings where services are provided These monitoring efforts are an opportunity for the Division and the AAAs to look at efforts, best practices, and process improvement with the intent of providing better, more effective, and more affordable services for older adults across the state Additionally, as the Division and its partners seek to improve processes, it is also important to continue to examine the need to provide services to low- income minority older adults, older adults with limited English proficiency, and older adults residing in rural areas
Utah, like all states, is faced with a number of challenges and opportunities We believe aging services fill an important need and are a great investment The Division, along with its aging network partners, is committed to ensuring the best possible outcomes for our older adults and that these services are delivered in the most effective way possible to maximize the health, well-being and independence of Utah’s older adults
B UPDATES TO SPECIFIC INITIATIVES INCLUDED IN THE PREVIOUS FOUR- YEAR PLAN
Established in 2005, the Utah Commission on Aging has historically provided a strong voice for Utah’s older adults by delivering advocacy, research, and networking opportunities for seniors and the agencies that serve them Originally scheduled to expire, the commission's work has continued to shape aging policy and expand service options for Utahns, fostering collaboration among policymakers, service providers, and older residents.
The Commission was reauthorized and secured ongoing funding to continue its work, now housed within the University of Utah’s Gerontology Department Although leadership changes have reduced its public profile in recent years, a new Executive Director appointed in 2016 has reenergized and expanded the Commission with notable success The Commission now meets bi-monthly and serves as a valuable forum for engaging stakeholders on issues directly impacting older adults and their caregivers The Division continues to participate with the Commission and values this partnership.
The Division and the Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) remain essential resources for helping older adults in Utah get where they need to go The Division maintains active partnerships with the Utah Department of Transportation and with URSTA (the Urban Rural and Specialized Transportation Association) to support transportation solutions Together, the Division, the AAAs, and URSTA are committed to the ongoing development of effective, accessible transportation for all Utah residents.