Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 18 - HUMAN SERVICES › Part 2 - Division of Aging and Adult Services › Chapter 1 - State Plan on Aging › Section 18-2-1-VII - Future Directions

Current through June 25, 2024
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.