Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation
	Policy Information Center

ADMINISTRATION ON AGING

MISSION: To foster the development of services to help older persons maintain their independence.

Evaluation Program
The Administration on Aging (AoA) is the Federal focal point and advocate agency for older persons and their concerns. The AoA administers key Federal programs mandated under various titles of the Older Americans Act. These programs help vulnerable older persons remain in their own homes by providing supportive services. Other programs offer opportunities for older Americans to enhance their health and to be active contributors to their families, communities, and the Nation through employment and volunteer programs. The AoA works closely with its nationwide network of regional offices and State and Area Agencies on Aging to plan, coordinate, and develop community-level systems of services that meet the unique needs of individual older persons and their caregivers. The AoA collaborates with Federal agencies, national organizations, and representatives of business to ensure that, whenever possible, their programs and resources are targeted to the elderly and coordinated with those of the network on aging. As the responsibilities of this nationwide network of State and Area Agencies on Aging continue to grow, it is essential that they have the necessary information to meet these responsibilities.

The overall evaluation priorities of the AoA are to support studies that provide information on the following: (1) the success of existing program implementation in meeting the goals of the Older Americans Act; (2) the design and operation of effective programs; and (3) issues relevant to policy development, legislative planning, and program management.

Summary of Fiscal Year 1998 Evaluations In Progress

Support Services to Elderly Persons

TITLE: Evaluation of the Supportive Services and Senior Centers Provided under the Older Americans Act (Title III-B): Design Phase

ABSTRACT: During fiscal year 1997, the AoA initiated a study to plan an evaluation of the Supportive Services and Senior Centers provisions of the Older Americans Act (Title III-B). Through this project, the AoA is identifying the conceptual and methodological issues in the evaluation and will develop an approach to this evaluation. The evaluation is expected to develop outcome measures with broad applicability which can be used repeatedly over time.

AGENCY SPONSOR: Administration on Aging

FEDERAL CONTACT: Edwin L. Walker

PHONE NUMBER: 202-619-0011

PIC ID: 6855

PERFORMER ORGANIZATION: Westat, Inc. Rockville MD