Announcing the “OAA Back-to-Basics” Webinar Series

As the dedicated set of providers of services and supports authorized and funded under the Older Americans Act (OAA), the aging services network is recognized as a critical component of our nation’s long-term care infrastructure. You make it possible for millions of older adults and their caregivers to maintain their health, well-being, and independence — and ACL remains your committed federal partner in achieving the goals of the OAA.

The work we do together has never been more important. The population of older adults continues to increase rapidly, and nearly three-quarters of us can expect to need assistance in order to age in place. The continued success — and sustainability — of OAA programs depends more than ever on efficient program operations and proper stewardship of resources.

We are aware that high turnover of experienced staff at all levels of the aging services network is resulting in a loss of critical institutional knowledge. At the same time, there is increasing interest, including from potential partners, in the expansion of aging network services, in ensuring appropriate levels of program and fiscal oversight of recipients of federal funding. 

To assist in filling knowledge gaps and to promote prudent stewardship practices, we launched a technical assistance webinar series. The “OAA Back-to-Basics” series addresses topics of interest to both people who are new to the aging network and those who are experienced in OAA program management.

The first webinar of the series, focused on stewardship, oversight, and advocacy responsibilities. ASL and CART were provided. If you need other accommodations to access the webinar, please contact marcia.gordon@acl.hhs.gov. More information can be found on ACL.gov.

The Back-to-Basics series coincides with the implementation of the updated OAA regulations, which are designed to advance the policy goals of the OAA, including equity in service delivery, advocacy on behalf of older adults and family caregivers, appropriate accountability of funds, and efficient administration and oversight of these public programs. ACL recognizes that much has changed in the OAA and in grants administration since the 1988 OAA regulations were issued. As part of ACL’s stewardship of the OAA in the coming year, we will be providing a robust set of training and technical assistance resources through webinars, tip sheets, FAQs, and other materials. We intend for these resources to provide you with tools to build successful approaches to OAA program implementation, administration, and management, as well as necessary processes, procedures, and documentation to demonstrate appropriate oversight, stewardship, and accountability. You can find these materials on the OAA rule page.

The history of the OAA and its programs is one of great success. Our goal for the Back-to-Basics series, and for the training and technical assistance we will provide to facilitate implementation of the updated OAA regulations, is to support and strengthen the aging services network — and to work in partnership to build on that success.