Sustaining Area Agency on Aging Services During a Pandemic: Innovation Through Community-Based Partnerships

Abstract

Background and Objectives Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) have funded, coordinated and provided services since the 1960’s, evolving in response to changes in policy, funding, and the political arena. Many of their usual service delivery programs and processes were severely disrupted with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Increasing evidence suggests the importance of partnerships in AAA’s capacity to adapt services; however, specific examples of adaptations have been limited. We sought to understand how partnerships may have supported adaptation during the pandemic, from the perspectives of both AAAs and their partners. Research Design and Methods We conducted a secondary analysis of qualitative data from an explanatory sequential mixed methods parent study. Data were collected from 12 AAAs diverse in terms of geographic region, governance structure and size, as well as a range of partner organizations. We completed 105 in depth interviews from July 2020 to April 2021. A five-member multidisciplinary team coded the data using a constant comparative method of analysis, supported by ATLAS.ti Scientific Software. Results AAAs and their partners described strategies and provided examples of ways to rapidly transform service delivery including reducing isolation, alleviating food insecurity, adapting program design and delivery, and leveraging partnerships and repurposing resources. Implications AAAs and partner organizations are uniquely positioned to innovate during times of disruption. Findings may enhance AAA and partner portfolios of evidence-based and evidence-supported programs.

Increases in loneliness among Older Americans Act participants during COVID-19

“…In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many steps were taken to adjust how OAA services were provided in light of public health restrictions. OAA service providers acted quickly to expand but also modify their services during the pandemic, and many providers used innovative strategies to support social connection for OAA participants when traditional sources of social support were disrupted (16)(17)(18). In addition, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 allocated $460 million for older adult services and "activities to prevent and mitigate social isolation related to COVID-19" [(19), p. 8].…”