LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Aug. 8, 2013) — Three Kentucky aging support programs were among 57 from across the country honored by the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a) for creative and effective initiatives that help older Americans remain independent in their homes and communities.
n4a announced the 2013 recipients of its prestigious Aging Innovations and Achievement Awards at its Annual Conference that took place this year in Louisville, which has one of the world’s largest aging-care business clusters.
The n4a awards program, sponsored by CST your Link to Life (CST-LTL), annually recognizes Area Agencies on Aging and Title VI Native American aging programs that have implemented innovative and successful services to support older adults, people with disabilities and family caregivers. In addition to receiving their award, top honorees shared highlights of their programs at the conference, where over 700 Aging Network leaders gathered to discuss and learn about strategies to address the issues facing aging America today and in the future.
“The financial climate and the rapidly aging of America necessitate creative and effective strategies to support the health and independence of older adults and people with disabilities now and in the future. This awards program enables us to identify, honor and promote innovative and successful programs and practices that are doing just that,” said n4a CEO Sandy Markwood. “The award-winning programs are testament to the commitment of our Aging Network to seize opportunities and develop solutions that support successful aging in America. We congratulate and thank each of the agencies for these initiatives that are true models for the entire Aging Network.”
Forty-four (44) programs received Aging Achievement Awards and 13 top-ranking programs were honored with Aging Innovations Awards. To qualify, programs must be between one to five years in operation, receive minimal assistance from outside experts and, most critically, demonstrate innovative approaches in either offering new services or improving existing services. Award criteria include demonstration of measurable results, e.g., cost savings, improved client service and enhanced staff productivity.
The three Kentucky programs honored with 2013 Aging Innovations Awards were:
• KIPDA Area Agency on Aging and Independent Living (Louisville) for its “Lunch with KIPDA on WLOU” radio program in the Information and Referral category
• North Kentucky Area Development District (Florence, KY) for its Drumming Up Wellness program in the Healthy Aging/Nutrition category, and
• Kentuckiana Regional Planning and Development Agency (Louisville) for its Collaborations: KIPDA Rural Diabetes Coalition program in the You Name It category.
n4a is the leading voice for Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) and a champion in Washington, D.C., for Title VI Native American aging programs. Through advocacy, training and technical assistance, n4a supports a national network of 629 AAAs and 246 Title VI programs that provide services making it possible for older individuals to remain in their homes, thereby preserving their independence and dignity.
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