DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES SEEKS COMMENT ON STATE PLAN ON AGING AT FOUR PUBLIC HEARINGS THIS MONTH

NEW CASTLE (April 11, 2016) - The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services' Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities will seek public comment on its proposed State Plan on Aging for the period of October 2016 through September 2020.

The state plan has been developed to meet requirements under Title III and Title VII of the Older Americans Act. The act provides funding for a variety of programs and services for older Delawareans and their caregivers, including supportive services, nutrition programs, disease prevention and health promotion initiatives, elder rights protection activities and caregiver support programs.

The state's four hearings, one in each county and Wilmington, will provide an opportunity for the public to offer comments and suggestions on the plan. The schedule is:

• April 25: 1-3 p.m., Modern Maturity Center, East Wing Conference Room, 1121 Forrest Ave., Dover.
• April 27: 6-8 p.m., Easter Seals Delaware and Maryland's Eastern Shore, 61 Corporate Circle, New Castle.
• April 28: 1-3 p.m., Woodlawn Library, 2020 W. 9th St., Wilmington.
• April 29: 10 a.m.-noon, CHEER Community Center, 20520 Sand Hill Road, Georgetown.

A copy of the draft plan may be obtained by following the links on the division's website at: dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dsaapd/index.html

The older population in Delaware, as in the rest of the nation, is growing quickly. Currently, about one in five Delawareans is 60 or older. By 2020, that age group will make up one-fourth of the state's population, or more than 250,000 people. That same year, the population consisting of the "oldest old" (individuals age 85 and older) is projected to have grown by 147.5 percent since 2000.

"In order to support more of Delaware's seniors who want to age safely and with dignity in their homes, we must increase services in the community for them and their caregivers," DHSS Secretary Rita Landgraf said. "For those individuals who require a higher level of care, we also must continue to meet their needs. We welcome the public's input on this plan to build on existing services and supports, and to leverage new services as the marketplace and funding allow."

The Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities will use the strategies in the State Plan on Aging to address the growing and changing needs of older Delawareans and persons with disabilities.

The 2016-2020 State Plan on Aging focuses on such initiatives as:

• Addressing support issues for certain target populations, including individuals with Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Today, an estimated 26,000 Delawareans are living with Alzheimer's or a related disorder, and the numbers are expected to increase dramatically as baby boomers age.
• Reaching out to caregivers who provide most of the long-term care services in the country to more effectively identify their support needs.
• Promoting elder justice efforts, including responses to abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation.
• Changing the service delivery system to ensure greater participant direction of services, including an expanded and improved attendant services program and other programs.
• Supporting the expansion of home and community-based services, including ADRC staff members who provide personalized assistance to help families find and use community services.

Comments and suggestions on the Draft State Plan on Aging will also be accepted until the close of business on Monday, April 30:

By phone: 800-223-9074.
By mail: DSAAPD Planning Unit, Department of Health and Social Services, 1901 N. DuPont Highway, Main Administration Building, First Floor Annex, New Castle, DE 19720
By email: DelawareADRC@delaware.gov
By fax: 302-255-4445

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.