Background
Established by State law in 1977 (N.C.G.S. 14313-181.1)
as the Division of Aging and Adult Services, it has been the organization
within the NC Department of Health and Human Services, responsible for
planning,
administering, coordinating, and evaluating the activities developed
under the federal
Older Americans Act and the programs for older adults funded by the
NC General Assembly. As the designated State Unit on Aging, required
by
the federal Older Americans Act P. L. 106-501), the Division is the
state's foremost leader in identifying and responding to the aging of
our population.
In 2003, the Division also assumed responsibility for overseeing social
services and some benefits programs for older and persons with disabilities and
their families as provided by the state's 100 county departments of
social services. This expansion of the Division's role is now reflected
in its
new name- Division of Aging and Adult Services.
MISSION
Our mission is to promote independence and enhance the dignity of North
Carolina's older adults, persons with disabilities, and their families
through a community-based system of opportunities, services, benefits,
and protections; to ready younger generations to enjoy their later years;
and to help society and government plan and prepare for the changing
demographics.
Through partnering with Area Agencies on Aging, County Departments of
Social Services, County Departments and Councils on Aging, other local
services and programs for older adults, persons with disabilities, senior
leaders, and other public and private interests-the Division plans, administers,
coordinates, and evaluates a community-based system of opportunities,
services, benefits, and protections to advance the social, health, and
economic well-being of older and disabled North Carolinians.
VISION
The Division of Aging and Adult Services will be North Carolina's
foremost leader in identifying and responding to the increasing challenges
and
opportunities presented by our rapidly expanding aging society and the
challenges of persons with disabilities. We will achieve these goals
through effective public policies and programs developed in cooperation
with others across state departments, within the Department of Health
and Human Services, and outside of government. The Division will act
as a catalyst to empower consumers in support of enhancing personal responsibility
and to promote the effective use of all resources for the well-being
of older and persons with disabilities and their families.
POLICY GOALS
- Expand in-home and community services and benefits for older and
persons with disabilities
- Increase support for family caregivers, including those caring
for persons with Alzheimer's Disease and other dementia
- Support aging-in-place through well coordinated community-based
services
- Assure an adequately trained workforce to provide services
- Involve older and persons with disabilities and their families in meaningful
public policymaking
- Establish an integrated state, regional, and county planning
process for long-term-care
- Improve the quality of aging and adult services and programs,
including senior centers
- Increase volunteer and employment opportunities for older
and persons with disabilities
- Enhance quality of care and quality of life of residents
of long-term care facilities
- Collaborate with public and private
agencies and organizations to enhance the health and wellness of
older and persons with disabilities and their family
caregivers
- Develop a system for comprehensive and timely information
and assistance
- Protect older and persons with disabilities from mistreatment
and advocate for their rights and well-being
Revised 10/31/2007
