Elderly couple
Major income sources for American seniors are limited, with less than 90 percent reported on Social Security, fewer than 55 percent with income from assets and less than 30 percent from government pensions, private pensions and earnings, as of 2007. Millions of elderly citizens are without income resources for proper care and living assistance. Grants for elderly citizens provide the funds necessary to run various programs that aid the older population. Various projects for seniors are funded through federal, state and community efforts.
Facts
The population age 65 and older numbered 38.9 million in 2008, an increase in of 4.5 million, or 13 percent since 1998. Older men are more likely to be married than older women, resulting in a large number of the senior female population is living alone, according to the Administration on Aging (AOA). As these numbers increase the poverty rate of the elderly continues to rise. Without adequate health care and living resources much of the elderly population may become indigent.
Grants
Grants are allocated funds disbursed from a government entity, trust or foundation to non-profit organizations, businesses, academic institutions and individuals. Grants for elderly care are designed specifically for the needs of the senior population. Legislation for numerous grant programs has been initiated to acknowledge the needs of America's senior citizens since the Civil Service Retirement Act of 1920.
Programs
Grant-funded programs for the elderly provide services for nutrition, long-term care planning, health and wellness, hospice, disability prevention and assistance, Alzheimer's support, community living, transportation and legal aid. The Prevention of Elder Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation (Title VII-A3) program, established by the AOA in 1987, provides tactical planning and training throughout the workforce on identifying elderly abuse and what to do about it.
Action
Endeavors to develop programs to serve seniors continue through cooperative efforts. The CDC, AARP and the American Medical Association joined together to report opportunities to broaden the use of potentially lifesaving preventive services, according to CDC.gov. Clinical and community partnerships promote preventive care and early disease detection. Services include cancer screenings and vaccinations. Sickness Prevention Achieved through Regional Collaboration (SPARC) has made great strides with the assistance of grants.
Grant Awards
Grants are awarded after an application, review and selection process. Grant guidelines are available for the particular grant being applied for and depending on the grant, application procedures may vary. Letters of inquiry are typically included with the application and proposal. Applications packages are usually prepared by a grant writer. Grants for the elderly are awarded to diverse non-profit organizations and projects.
Tags: Grants elderly, than percent, care living, elderly citizens, from government
