The Aging Network

To support the professional development of those in the field of aging, the Administration on Aging (AoA) is pleased to share research findings, study outcomes and special project reports. Authors and funding sources are noted under each.

• Case Studies from the Aging Network
• Services Literature Synthesis
• Senior Center Survey Report
• Theory to Practice Report

Case Studies from the Aging Network

The National Aging Services Network – which consists of the state agencies on aging, local Area Agencies on Aging, and thousands of community aging service providers – has played a significant role in creating more balanced long term care systems by shifting the focus from institutional to community living, thereby increasing the opportunity for older Americans to live with dignity and independence.

As a means of providing examples and information to states, community-based organizations and service providers, the Administration on Aging contracted with Research Triangle Institute (RTI) to conduct a series of case studies on the role of the National Aging Services Network in creating more balanced long term care systems. These studies highlight 14 state or local community programs that have contributed to strengthening community-based care options for older Americans. The studies are listed below, and each can be accessed by clicking on the title.

• Redesigning Long-Term Care Systems Through Integrated Access to Services (PDF)
• Redirecting Public Long-Term Care Expenditures (PDF)
• Consumer-Directed Options (PDF)
• Creating More Balanced Long Term Care Systems (PDF)
• Redesigning Long-term Care Systems Through Integrated Information Systems (PDF)

Services Literature Synthesis

This paper reviews and summarizes the vast research literature on Home and Community Based Services (HCBS). Developed by RTI International with funding by the Administration on Aging, it focuses on research that has been published in peer-reviewed journals, and includes other research when the importance of the material warrants it.

This paper is divided into several sections: The first section presents background on home and community-based services, examining financing and utilization of services. The second section examines a number of themes on topics of importance in home and community-based services, including the workforce, quality of care, cost savings and cost effectiveness, substitution of formal for informal care, capitated approaches to HCBS, assisted living, consumer direction, assistive technology and caregiver support. Finally, the paper concludes with a proposed research agenda for HCBS.

• Home and Community-Based Services - A Synthesis of the Literature (PDF)

Senior Center Survey Report

This report: “Identifying Important Linkages Between Successful Aging and Senior Center Participation”, was presented at the Joint National Council on the Aging/American Society on Aging Conference, March 2003. Survey results were drawn from delegates of The National Institute for Senior Centers.

• Executive Summary (PDF)
• Demographic Profile (PDF)

Theory to Practice Report

This study was supported by a grant from the Administration on Aging to the National Council on the Aging. The resulting report, “From Theory to Practice – Testing an Expert System for Diffusing Evidence-based Health Programs”, describes the study objectives, processes and web-based tools for facilitating the diffusion of innovative programs, as well as the study outcomes.

• Executive Summary (PDF)