Older Americans Act

In April 1991, the Administration on Aging (AOA) launched a multiyear initiative called the National Eldercare Campaign. AOA used about $14 million of $26 million in title IV discretionary funds to support the campaign's various components. The largest portion of these funds went to a new community outreach effort, Project CARE. Under this national coalition-building demonstration program, each state was required to establish three local coalitions. At the end of 15 months, virtually all states had three local coalitions in place. A majority of coalitions had generated some resources, and about 70 percent of the coalitions were providing a service to the elderly. The campaign differs from earlier AOA initiatives in that its seeks to expand not only the Aging Network but also the resources available to them. Usually, AOA initiatives were of 12- to 24-months duration and limited to research, demonstration, and technical assistance. By the end of fiscal year 1992, about 200 coalitions had joined the Aging Network and had developed programs and services for the elderly. Although this is a significant change in both the mission and structure of the Aging Network, the success of this campaign ultimately depends upon the coalitions' ability to sustain themselves beyond the three-year funding period.

GAO found that: (1) the National Eldercare Campaign's goals are to build coalitions among eldercare organizations to foster a nationwide commitment to action, raise public awareness and support, and encourage organizations to adopt an eldercare agenda; (2) AoA has spent most of its funds to support various components of the Campaign and a new community outreach effort; (3) AoA has established a number of activities to help participating organizations' eldercare efforts; (4) all components of the Campaign are in place and operating nationwide, but state agencies have not developed new coalitions and diversified their locations according to program guidelines; (5) 80 percent of the coalitions have established their expected outreach programs; (6) most coalitions have obtained resources of varying types to support their services and have begun delivering one or more services to the elderly; (7) the Campaign has significantly changed the mission and structure of the Aging Network by adding 200 new coalitions that serve as advocates for the elderly; and (8) the coalitions have begun generating new resources, but it is not known whether they can sustain their funding beyond the Campaign's 3-year commitment.