Area Agency on Aging (AAA)
Elder Services was mandated through the Older American’s Act as an Area Agency on Aging (AAA), for the 23 communities in the Merrimack Valley. This federal designation insures the agency take the lead relative to all aging issues on behalf of older persons and their families. The Area Agency carries out a state wide range of functions related to advocacy, planning, coordination, information sharing, outreach activities and program development.
The Area Agency on Aging conducts a community needs assessment to determine specific services needs of older adults and develops an area plan for a three year period. AAA staff work closely with community organizations to fund and coordinate a community based service system for older adults. Funding through the Older American’s Act is administered by the Area Agency in form of grants to community agencies to provide needed services and programs.