PHOENIX, AZ – The Arizona Department of Economic Security is set to distribute $2.5 million in funding derived from the Fiscal Year 2022
budget to support the Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) statewide. The funding will be used for home care provider rate increases and incentives for direct care workers in non-medical home and community based services.
The AAAs are public or nonprofit private agencies that serve older Arizonans. AAAs are designated by the federal Administration for Community Living to plan and coordinate services at the local level, including advocating for older adults and offering information on programs, community supports and the options available to support the health, nutrition and comfort of Arizonans in later life. These services reduce the need for institutional care and allow individuals to remain in their own homes or live with their families.
Direct care workers provide a variety of services to older adults, including:
The services are provided through partnerships between DES and Arizona’s Area Agencies on Aging. Area Agencies on Aging coordinate services and their case managers determine eligibility.