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AGING SERVICES Brenda Turner, Director 2900 Newton Street, NE Washington, DC 20018 (202) 529-8701 Overview The Greater Washington Urban League, Division of Aging Services, better known as SNACC (Senior Neighbors and Companions Clubs) was born out of need to address the pain and suffering of the aged population, in Washington, DC, June of 1969. The Urban League received a research and demonstration grant from the federal government to test the feasibility of solving three major problems facing this nation and its older adult population: isolation, loneliness, and malnutrition. Through grants to states and local communities, 32 demonstration programs across the nation were selected. This "youth-oriented" society had not prepared for a large, fast growing aged population. Therefore, Congress passed the Older Americans Act of 1965. SNACC, named as a model for the nation, served 150 seniors a day in three locations. In 1989, we received the Community Achievement Award from the Administration on Aging of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for being one of ten programs in the nation which has demonstrated an exemplary system of service for older persons. Today, the Greater Washington Urban League, Aging Division, continues as lead agency for aging services for Wards 2 and 5, and portions of Ward 6, serving approximately 1800 persons per day in 25 decentralized locations. As Lead Agency for aging services, we are responsible for having a strong knowledge base of the social demographic characteristics of the elderly in our target area, develop and implement annual needs assessments, network with other community organizations, sponsor community planning meetings, develop and implement structured outreach activities, be well grounded in knowledge of national and local aging population trends, and maintain a citizens' advisory council to serve as advisors in the development and of a coordinated service delivery system. The division operates 22 nutrition centers and approximately 250,000 meals annually. In addition to nutrition services, we provide recreation and socialization services., nutrition education and counseling, health promotion, literacy education in two centers, counseling and case management for older persons who are at-risk and in need of assistance with maintaining a state of independent living and to block early or unnecessary nursing home placement. We also have transportation services for older persons needing assistance to and from doctor's visits, and to leisure time recreational activities. Special population services for the blind, hearing impaired, homeless aged and Asian & Pacific Islander aged are provided to meet their particular needs. Other services include advocacy, legal services, housing placement and comprehensive assessment and case management. Clients are served based upon identifying the level of care required to bring about stability in the clients environment. Long Term Care Comprehensive Assessment And Case Management Long Term Care Comprehensive Assessment & Case Management is a community based comprehensive life support service designed to block early or unnecessary institutionalization of at-risk elders. Services are designed to enable the frail, vulnerable elderly client to remain in their own homes and communities. This service includes: on -going counseling and case management services coordination from licensed social worker practitioners, home health care through networking with area nursing/home care agencies, life safety support systems, assisting clients with public benefits and entitlements, legal/advocacy assistance and assisting families with placements in long term care facilities. A team approach is utilized to ensure that the client is the recipient of the appropriate services. An important feature of this service rest in the fact that, if mentally competent, the client maintains an active role in the decisions process as it relates to the development of the plan of care. The clients and service plans are monitored closely for needed changes and are adjusted accordingly "Our mission is to enhance and sustain the quality of life of older Washingtonians by helping them live out their later years in comfort and dignity." Senior Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired