18 Miss. Code. R. 2-1-VII
To meet the challenges ahead, the DAAS realizes it must develop partnerships with public and private entities and traditional and non-traditional resources creating new approaches to expand systems for future directions. The DAAS will continue to develop coalitions and build systems with the private sector and non-traditional agencies to meet the growing need of Mississippi's seniors. The DAAS will seek to initiate dialogues and exchange ideas and strategies with a variety of public and private entities to gain a commitment to unite efforts to benefit seniors. The DAAS must undertake new approaches in order to reach a broader segment of the older population and its needs.
The DAAS plans to continue to review information from various sources in order to understand the needs and concerns of elders. Particular attention will be paid to information gleaned from the age 55-60 population to determine the expectations of the 'baby boom' generation.
The DAAS is guided by activities, initiatives, and priorities established by the Administration on Aging. Many of the resolutions and priority areas identified during the 2005 White House Conference on Aging are also considered in the process of planning and developing systems in DAAS. Priority initiatives from the Administration on Aging Strategic Plan that will direct the focus of the DAAS over the coming years are identified below.
* Increase access to an integrated array of health and social supports.
* Develop model projects that promote consumer choice through partnerships with Medicaid; beginning with the Aging and Disability Resource Center Project.
* Promote the implementation of the Medicare Modernization Act through increased partnerships and promotional activities.
* Help older people stay active and healthy.
* Promote Healthy Aging Initiatives such as Department of Health influenza/pneumonia vaccination and health screening events.
* Promote Nutrition Program Initiatives.
* Develop evidenced based health promotion and disease prevention initiatives with the Mississippi Department of Health and apply for Administration on Aging grant opportunities.
* Promote older persons as resources for their communities.
* Support families in their efforts to care for their loved ones at home and in the community.
* Promote activities that develop the Family Caregiver Support Program. o Increase interest and support for kinship care and grandparents rearing grandchildren.
* Maintain support services to vulnerable elders in the Home and Community-Based Services Program.
* Ensure the rights of older people and prevent their abuse, neglect and exploitation.
* Promote activities that focus on preventing abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
* Participate in the Mississippi Leadership Council on Aging organization.
* Promote effective and responsive management.
* Initiate developmental areas of focus in response to the Deficit Reduction Act that include consumer directed strategies for service delivery.
* Construct partnerships with Medicaid to promote "money follows the person" and/or "cash and counseling" initiatives.
* Promote leadership initiatives in SUA and AAA managerial staff.
* Promote educational opportunities within the Aging Network.
The DAAS will direct efforts toward the following long term initiatives:
* Strengthen partnerships within the Aging Network, e.g. the Mississippi Access to Benefits Coalition;
* Develop statewide electronic client management systems linked to the Program Information System (NAPIS) and the National Ombudsman Reporting System (NORS);
* Promote performance partnerships, e.g., Medicare Health Support project;
* Coordinate advocacy and service efforts with agencies and groups;
* Direct the senior prescription program for free and low-cost medications;
* Promote new directions in nutrition wellness through partnerships between AAAs and Medicare/insurance companies that "prescribe" heart healthy/diabetic meals for their insured; and,
* Teach the special population (seniors and the disabled) needs for emergency preparedness; and,
* Promote long-term-care preparedness for Baby Boomers.
Though much has been done to enhance and improve programs and services for seniors, challenges exist. Particularly problematic is the legislative link of the AAA oversight agency, the Planning and Development Districts, directly to the Medicaid Agency. The direct link severs the DAAS relationship with the Medicaid Elderly and Disabled System making direct partnerships with Medicaid challenging.
Past efforts have created a strong foundation upon which to build in response to the expected population and need growth. The DAAS, with the support of its partners, can make a difference in the lives of many elderly Mississippians now and in the future.
18 Miss. Code. R. 2-1-VII