FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 9, 2024
Contact: Bethany Coulter, bcoulter@usaging.org and 202.872.0888
 
TAMPA, FL—Today, USAging celebrated 38 pioneering programs and initiatives developed by Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs), which have significantly enhanced the lives of older adults nationwide. These exemplary programs, honored with the 2024 USAging Aging Innovations & Achievement Awards, were recognized at USAging’s 49th Annual Conference and Tradeshow in Tampa, FL. Supported by Caregiving.com and Cumulus.care, this prestigious awards program highlights USAging members who have implemented innovative, effective and replicable solutions for older adults in their communities, while exemplifying exceptional management practices.

"At USAging, we are thrilled to recognize the outstanding achievements of this year's Aging Innovations & Achievement Awards recipients. Their innovative programs and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of older adults set a high standard for excellence in our field. These initiatives not only enhance the well-being of our aging population but also inspire others to strive for impactful and lasting change in their communities," said USAging CEO Sandy Markwood.

Michael Eidsaune, CEO of Caregiving.com, remarked, “We’ve all heard the old adage, ‘When life gives you lemons, make lemonade!’ We all know the funding climate is challenging for agencies across the country, but these organizations are still finding ways to innovate and drive impact in their communities. We’re inspired by this work and hope we can continue to help these organizations that are serving so many.”

“Cumulus applauds the cutting-edge work of AAAs and Title VI Native American Aging Programs,” said Cumulus.care President Tom Laba. “Being a sponsor of the AIA program enables us to support the best HCBS providers anywhere—USAging members. Congratulations to this year’s winners!”

USAging presented 22 Aging Achievement Awards and 16 Aging Innovations Awards to programs in a variety of areas, including advocacy; agency operations; caregiving; community planning and livable communities; diversity, equity and inclusion; economic security; elder abuse prevention; health–social care integration; healthy aging; home and community-based services; housing and homelessness; kinship and grandfamily support; nutrition; technology; social engagement; transportation and mobility; and workforce development and volunteerism. Descriptions of all 38 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: Missouri Direct Adult Protective Services (MODAPS) Initiative
Agency: Missouri Association of Area Agencies on Aging, Jefferson City, MO
Category: Elder Abuse Prevention
Description: The Missouri Direct Adult Protective Services (MODAPS) Initiative is an innovative partnership between Missouri’s 10 AAAs and their state’s Adult Protective Services (APS) that adds community-based supportive services to emergency interventions to improve the health, wellness and safety of eligible adults referred to the APS hotline for abuse or neglect. Through this project, AAAs have expanded their reach to elderly and disabled Missourians previously unaware of AAA services.
 
Second Place: Community Care Innovation Collaborative
Agency: Bay Aging, Urbanna, VA
Category: Health–Social Care Integration
Description: Bay Aging’s Community Care Innovation Collaborative is a shared learning space for leaders interested in creating community care networks that connect people to health care and social supports. A public service of VAAACares, Virginia's community care hub, the collaborative launched in 2021 and serves more than 300 members representing 166 organizations.
 
Third Place: "Delivery With a Ring" Doorbell Program
Agency: Piedmont Senior Resources Area Agency on Aging, Farmville, VA
Category: Agency Operations
Description: Staff at Piedmont Senior Resources Area Agency on Aging developed a new doorbell program when they realized the older adults they serve were missing home-delivered meals because they did not hear drivers knock on their doors. The inexpensive doorbells were easy for meal drivers to install. Four volume adjustments and a blue light further help clients with trouble hearing when someone rings the doorbell. 
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. For more information, visit usaging.org and follow @theUSAging on Facebook, X and Instagram.

About Caregiving.com
Caregiving.com is committed to engaging and empowering family caregivers worldwide via a multi-faceted support model delivered through our leading-edge platform. We strive to inspire a sense of community that engages and supports caregivers to THRIVE as they navigate their caregiving journey. Likewise, we aim to be a safe, accessible space for all family caregivers to find comfort, support, and advice. Learn more at www.caregiving.com.

About Cumulus
Cumulus helps organizations securely collaborate, automate workflows among partners, conduct intakes, screen and assess clients, streamline social care referrals, and track outcomes—even when different IT systems are used. Used by multidisciplinary teams, including medical and social care teams, Cumulus embraces interoperability and is a leader in implementing FHIR standards for aging services data sets. Learn more at cumulus.care.