For Immediate Release
July 17, 2023
Contact: Joellen Leavelle, jleavelle@usaging.org and 202.719.8890
 
SALT LAKE CITY—Today, USAging honored 50 innovative programs and initiatives created by Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) and Title VI Native American Aging Programs that have successfully helped older adults across the country age well and play an active role in their communities. The award-winning programs are recipients of the 2023 USAging Aging Innovations & Achievement Awards, which were distributed at USAging’s 48th Annual Conference and Tradeshow in Salt Lake City. The annual awards program, supported by Caregiving.com and Cumulus, recognizes USAging members that have developed leading-edge, successful and replicable programs for older adults in their communities while demonstrating sound management practices.

“The Aging Innovations & Achievement Awards are a timely reminder of the evolving role USAging members play in the planning, development, coordination and delivery of aging and other home and community-based services in nearly every community in the United States,” said USAging CEO Sandy Markwood. “The AAAs and Title VI programs we honor today have set a standard for innovation and creativity in helping older adults live with independence and dignity in their homes and communities,” Markwood added. “USAging is inspired by the example they have set for others in the Aging Network.”

Michael Eidsaune, CEO of Caregiving.com, remarked, “Our communities have greatly benefited from the dedicated work of Area Agencies on Aging for many years. Their commitment to innovation and delivering impactful programs, as evidenced by their recent awards, is truly remarkable. It is essential that we partner with these organizations in order to truly connect with the communities we serve and make a meaningful difference in their lives.”
 
“Cumulus team members have been avid supporters of AAAs and Title VI Native American Aging Programs for more than 20 years,” said Cumulus CEO John Byer. “Being a sponsor of the AIA program is one way we can help promote the success of the best home and community-based services (HCBS) providers anywhere—USAging members. Congratulations to this year’s winners!”

USAging presented 34 Aging Achievement Awards and 16 Aging Innovations Awards to programs in a variety of areas, including advocacy; caregiving; diversity, equity and inclusion; healthy aging; home and community-based services; housing and homelessness; public health and vaccinations; social engagement; transportation and mobility; and workforce development. Descriptions of all 50 award-winning programs can be found in the USAging Aging Innovations & Achievement Awards Showcase.
 
The following three programs were the highest-scoring Innovations winners and received monetary awards: 
 
First Place: Elder and Dependent Adult At-Home Homelessness and Prevention
 
Agency: San Bernardino County Department of Aging and Adult Services—Public Guardian
Category: Housing & Homelessness
Description: The San Bernardino County Elder and Dependent Adult At-Home Homelessness and Prevention program provides services to older or dependent adults who are homeless or at risk of homelessness due to abuse, neglect, self-neglect or financial exploitation. This program offers a range of strategies to prevent homelessness and support ongoing housing stability for Adult Protective Services clients, including case management, housing-related intensive case management, short-term housing-related financial assistance, financial management, eviction prevention, landlord mediation, temporary housing and home repairs.
 
Second Place: A Community of Care—For Older Adults with Complex Care Needs
 
Agency: Region IV Area Agency on Aging
Category: Health-LTSS Integration
Description: The Community of Care project embeds Region IV Area Agency on Aging staff in medical care teams, strategically integrating social and clinical care to overcome barriers related to the social determinants of health, improve health outcomes and reduce costs for older adults with complex care needs. Through a partnership with a local health system, an interdisciplinary team of medical clinicians and AAA care management staff collectively address complex medical care needs, long-term services and supports responses and caregiver needs.
 
Third Place: Central Massachusetts Older Adults Hydroponic Program
 
Agency: Central Massachusetts Agency on Aging, Inc.
Category: Nutrition
Description: The Central Massachusetts Older Adults Hydroponic Program stems from a collaboration between the Central Massachusetts Agency on Aging, Inc. and 2gether We Eat, a local farming program, that expands an innovative hydroponic farming program to senior centers across Central Massachusetts. The no-cost program improves access to fresh vegetables and herbs, helps participants learn about gardening and nutrition, and facilitates social connection.
 
About USAging
USAging is the national association representing and supporting the network of Area Agencies on Aging and advocating for the Title VI Native American Aging Programs. Our members help older adults and people with disabilities throughout the United States live with optimal health, well-being, independence and dignity in their homes and communities. USAging is dedicated to supporting the success of our members through advancing public policy, sparking innovation, strengthening the capacity of our members, raising their visibility and working to drive excellence in the fields of aging and home and community-based services. For more information about USAging, AAAs or Title VI programs, visit www.usaging.org.
 
About Caregiving.com
Caregiving.com is a leading online community for family caregivers. We provide practical tips, resources and support to help caregivers succeed in their care journeys. Our team of current and former caregivers understands the challenges and rewards of caregiving. We are committed to helping caregivers feel seen, heard, valued and supported. Learn more at www.caregiving.com.
 
About Cumulus Care, Inc.
Cumulus helps organizations securely collaborate, automate workflows among partners, assess clients, streamline social care referrals, and track outcomes – even when different IT systems are used. Customers use Cumulus to achieve goals and avoid complicated, costly technology projects. The modern platform that is changing the way collaboration happens, Cumulus is perfect for multi-disciplinary teams, care hubs, community partnerships, elder justice coalitions, and other collaboratives. Learn more at cumulus.care.