Program plans
Authority: IC 12-9.1-2-3 ; IC 12-10.5-1-4
Affected: IC 12-10-1 ; IC 12-10.5-1
Sec. 5. Each area agency on aging shall annually submit a plan, as part of its area plan, which includes the following information: (1) A description of area agency on aging caretaker programs that include strategies for the strengthening or developing of a local network of family caretaker resources. The use of network models that may involve local voluntary groups, faith-based groups, and health care organizations active in the areas of Alzheimer's disease, support groups for family caretakers and grandparents raising grandchildren, and other similar organizations is strongly encouraged. (2) An explanation of how the area agency on aging will assure that, in providing services, priority shall be given to older individuals with greatest social and economic need, with particular attention to low-income older individuals and older individuals providing care and support to persons with mental retardation and related developmental disabilities. The provision of services may be affected as follows: (A) If state funding is used, services will be provided to individuals at least sixty-five (65) years of age who are caretakers or who are taking care of individuals with special needs at least eighteen (18) years of age and unable to perform at least three (3) activities of daily living. For respite services, this applies to individuals that are unable to perform at least two (2) activities of daily living. (B) If federal funding is used, priority will be given to persons at least eighteen (18) years of age who are caretakers of individuals at least sixty (60) years of age who are unable to perform at least two (2) activities of daily living, and older adults, grandparents, or stepgrandparents at least sixty (60) years of age who are caretakers of children eighteen (18) years of age or younger for respite and supplemental services. (3) A description of strategies for carrying out caretaker education so that different kinds of caretaker education needs are effectively met. Caretaker education shall involve to the extent possible the participation of available community resources. These efforts may include support groups if appropriate. (4) A twelve (12) month operating budget on a form provided by BAIHS.