colleaque post Main Discussion State Policy: Aging Texas Well The older adult po

colleaque post
Main Discussion
State Policy: Aging Texas Well
The older adult population continues to experience challenges, and policies at the state and federal levels seek to protect and advocate for this population. One such state policy in Texas is Aging Texas Well (ATW). This policy was introduced in 2005 by the Texas Health and Human Services (HHSC) Executive Order R.P.42 Aging Texas Well (n. d). This initiative helps Texans prepare for all aspects of aging and guides community and government readiness by identifying policy issues. Additionally, this policy provides resources, expertise, and awareness programs for older adults as they age to help them transition smoothly. Because the older adult population continues to increase, the ATW seeks to meet the growing complex needs of this population by focusing on 16 areas crucial to aging well Aging Texas Well (n. d). The HHSC uses these 16 focus areas to develop strategies that foster innovative solutions; some focus areas are housing, social engagement, transportation, health and long-term care, legal and mental health needs, caregiving, etc. The Strategic Plan is a plan mandated by the executive order mentioned above. It details how older adults can access services they may need, whom to contact and understand what services are available to them in the first place. This plan also encourages community leaders, stakeholders, and healthcare providers to use the briefs to help guide their decisions when providing services for this population Aging Texas Well (n. d). It is also essential that these briefs initiate meaningful conversation and collaboration to provide insight and constantly suggest needed changes as the demands for older adults increase.
This policy provides a host of information. However, many older adults need to be made aware that it exists. Healthcare providers must be better versed in the briefs and how to use these to help older adults access these services. This policy directly aligns with my advocacy issue in that it advocates for all needs of older adults and provides a yardstick to determine the steps needed to, for instance, access home health services, caregiving services, nutritional deficiencies such as Meals on Wheels, etc.

Federal Act: The Older American Act
A federal policy, the Older Americans Act (OAA), was established in 1965 and reauthorized in 2020. Like the objectives of the (ATW), this policy provides services that address meal services, legal assistance, home care services, and preventative services (Administration for Community (ACL), (n. d). The OAA includes ombudsman services to older adults who live in long-term facilities, as this is when they are most vulnerable. This act aims to help older adults continue to live independently, and this has been the most significant observation made through investigative studies. Approximately 95% of older adults seek to maintain their lives for as long as possible and want to care for their own needs with minimal dependence on others (ACL, n. d). In August 2023, a proposed rule change was suggested and is in the adoption process (ACL, n. d). The proposed changes address various programs, including grants to Indian tribes and Native Hawaiian Grantees, allotments for vulnerable elder rights, and protection activities. It seeks to improve coordination for service access with these populations and clarifies the services and details offered (ACL, n. d). It also addresses how funds can be distributed for local state and tribal programs, provides guidance on the National Caregiver Support Program and Native American Caregiver Support Program, and provides guidance on emergency preparedness and response, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic (ACL, n. d). This policy aligns with my advocacy issue as it addresses all older population groups. Additionally, it provides the insights the state needs to help develop programs aligned with the regulations set out. It further offers the opportunity to observe the shortcomings of this policy while implementing any of the programs and services it provides.

Evidence To Support the Act
The state and federal policies discussed are significant initiatives if used appropriately and to their fullest potential. The challenges commonly noted with both is the need for dissemination in terms of education on how to use these policies to affect change and how to implement any of these programs. I suggest having nurses and community stakeholders with more political standing collaborate on the current issues and create a forum to interpret the way forward. Hosting community halls is a great way to educate the older population on services offered to them, and healthcare providers can volunteer at senior living facilities and social organizations to provide education sessions to this population. The policies need simple pictograms that older people can use to interpret the services offered. Studies suggest that about seven in 10 adults will experience economic hardship, especially if they receive long-term care services and need additional financial support for complex conditions (ASPE, 2021).

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