AGING AND DISABILITY RESOURCE CENTER

Project Overview | State Planning Committe

Project Overview
The Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) is supported by the Administration on Aging (AoA), the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS), and the State of Iowa.  The Iowa Commission on Aging is the policy-making body that oversees the work of the project. 
 
The project is designed to     

• empower individuals to make informed choices,
• streamline access to long-term care supports and services,
• minimize consumer confusion,
• enhance individual choice, and
• enable policy makers and program administrators to effectively respond to individual needs, address system problems, and limit the unnecessary use of high-cost services.

The project hosts the LifeLong Links Web site, which provides information about long-term planning and facilitates access to resources.   All Iowans, especially older adults, caregivers, persons with disabilities and parents of children with disabilities, now have easier access to local, state, and national resources through one comprehensive Web portal, www.LifeLongLinks.org

At the LifeLong Links Web site, users can move through a planning tutorial in the following issue areas:  health, family, legal, finances, community support, environment, and life’s transitions and changes.  Depending on their particular needs, users may, at any time, search for services using Iowa’s three statewide information and referral databases or connect by phone to information specialists using an 800 number.

In 2008, the ADRC project implemented pilot sites in Linn County and Johnson County.  Each pilot site works with local aging and disability service providers to

• develop and pilot a standardized process that promotes improved access to long-term supports and care; and
• implement this process through collaboration, enhanced information and referral resources, and the establishment of the position of long-term support options counselors. 

The expected outcome of these activities is to demonstrate a standardized entry process and streamlined access to long-term supports for aging persons and adult persons with disabilities.

LifeLongLinks ADRC State Planning Committee
Meeting Handouts