EAAA Aging Innovations Award Winner

Eastern Area Agency on Aging Receives Prestigious Aging Innovations Award from the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a)

Eastern Area Agency on Aging announces that two programs, the Rural Community Based Caregiver Network and Novel Seniors Book Club, have been recognized by the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a) with Aging Innovations Awards, the highest honor presented by n4a. The awards program is sponsored by CST your Link to Life (CST-LTL). Eastern Area Agency on Aging was among the top 10 of 44 local aging programs to receive honors at the n4a Annual Conference & Tradeshow, July 7-12, in Denver, CO.

The 2012 n4a Aging Innovations Awards recognized Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) and Title VI Native American aging programs that have developed cutting-edge and successful approaches to support older adults, persons with disabilities and their family caregivers. The honored programs are exemplary initiatives that others in the Aging Network can replicate in their local communities.

“As the nation’s older adult population continues to grow dramatically, we are going to need to develop more and more innovative strategies to address the needs of the 60+ population as well as to find new ways to utilize the many assets they possess. We are so pleased to be able to recognize and honor these innovative and successful programs and practices that are doing just that,” said n4a CEO Sandy Markwood. “Our award winners are leaders in developing creative solutions, born out of the Aging Network’s ongoing commitment to support the independence and wellbeing of older adults. We congratulate and thank each of these programs for being true models for the entire Aging Network.”

The Rural Community Based Caregiver Network is designed to develop services that meet caregivers’ needs, including increasing the availability and affordability of adult day services, respite, access to personalized help through care management services for caregivers along with expanding educational, training and support program opportunities.

The Novel Seniors Book Club is a program that brings seniors together through the joy of reading and reduces isolation while keeping the mind sharp. Monthly meetings are interactive and often intergenerational, as the club works with Brewer High School students. Novel Seniors Book club has a mechanism in place that allows the homebound to call-in to the meetings, thus reducing loneliness.

“We are very proud and grateful that these two programs have been recognized for the powerful work that they accomplish,” said Noëlle Merrill, executive director of Eastern Area Agency on Aging. “Both programs reach out to the community and improve the quality of life for seniors and their caregivers, keeping them engaged and providing community support.”

Eastern Area Agency on Aging covers four counties in Eastern Maine, serving thousands of seniors, adults with disabilities and caregivers. EAAA provides, nutrition services, options counseling, health and wellness benefits to seniors 60 and older, and caregiver services to those caring for an aging adult. EAAA’s mission is to be the best at providing information, options and services to the people it serves. (www.eaaa.org)

The National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a) is the leading voice on aging issues for Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) across the country and a champion in our nation’s capital for Title VI Native American aging programs. N4a’s primary mission is to build the capacity of its members to help older persons and persons with disabilities live with dignity and choices in their homes and communities for as long as possible.