Mid-East Area Agency on Aging Program Receives Prestigious National Aging Innovations Award

The Mid-East Area Agency on Aging's (MEAAA) Choice Program recently received recognition from the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a) with an Aging Innovations Award - the highest honor presented by n4a to member agencies. MEAAA's CHOICE Program was honored during the n4a Annual Conference & Tradeshow July 24-28 in San Diego, CA.

The 2016 n4a Aging Innovations and Achievement Awards recognizes Area Agencies on Aging and Title VI Native American aging programs that develop and implement cutting-edge approaches to support older adults, people with disabilities and their family caregivers. As part of the criteria for the selection of the honorees was the ease with which other agencies replicate the program in their communities.

Since Choice began in September, 2014, approximately 1,000 people have participated in at least one of the 200 Choice programs offered at various community locations. surveys reveal that as a result of their participation, 81% are more aware of community resources, 65% are "living a healthier life" and 50% are socializing more.

Feedback shared by participants, staff and community partners illuminates the important role MEAAA and Choice play in connecting older adults to information and resources that help them to lead fulfilling lives in their homes and communities. "This award recognizes the success that can result from the creativity and hard work of the MEAAA staff," said Mary Schaefer, MEAAA executive director.

"Seniors like to have the option to choose from a menu of information and meals. MEAAA's Choice Program offers both. It is a creative new model developed by MEAAA's staff," added Schaefer. "We are delighted to be recognized nationally for this innovative program."

The 2016 n4a Aging Innovations Awards honors traditional and new strategies in a range of categories including Caregiving, Community Planning & Livable Communities, Elder Abuse Prevention, Healthy Aging, Home & Community-Based Services, Nutrition, Transportation & Mobility and "You Name It!"

Founded in 1973, the Mid-East Area Agency on Aging is the area's leading source for unbiased and comprehensive information on local senior services to help people find senior housing, care facilities, supports and much more. MEAAA also provides supportive services through its 22 senior centers in St. Louis, St. Charles, Franklin and Jefferson Counties. Persons age 60 and over, family caregivers and adults with disabilities may access a wide range of programming, from assistance with Medicare and health insurance questions, to exercise and social opportunities, transportation services, energy and legal assistance, disaster preparedness and assistance with acquiring medical equipment and supplies. In addition, MEAAA operates the region's largest Meals on Wheels program, bringing nutritious meals and companionship to more than 2,200 home-bound seniors each weekday.

For more information on MEAAA or the Choice program, call 636-207-0847 or go to www.agingmissouri.org