Improving Economic Security and Financial Well-being
NCOA offers a robust suite of services designed to bolster the economic security of older Americans, particularly those with low incomes. Their work focuses on connecting individuals to benefits and providing tools for financial planning.
BenefitsCheckUp®
One of NCOA’s most popular offerings is BenefitsCheckUp®, a free, confidential online screening tool. By entering a zip code and answering a few questions, older adults and caregivers can find and screen for more than 2,000 public and private benefits programs, including:
- Healthcare benefits: Including Medicare Savings Programs and Medicare Part D Low-Income Subsidy (Extra Help).
- Food assistance: Such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
- Housing and utility assistance: Covering programs for rent, energy, and weatherization.
- Prescription drug savings: Various programs to help lower medication costs.
Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)
For unemployed, low-income adults aged 55 and over, NCOA works with partner organizations to offer the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP). This federally-funded program provides valuable on-the-job training and skills development, with the goal of moving participants into unsubsidized employment.
Financial Literacy and Counseling
NCOA provides resources and guidance on a variety of financial topics relevant to seniors, including:
- Money management: Offering toolkits like “Savvy Saving Seniors” to help with budgeting and avoiding scams.
- Home equity: Providing information and counseling on reverse mortgages.
- Debt management: Resources for older adults facing financial hardship.
Promoting Healthy Aging and Well-being
Beyond financial health, NCOA is a leader in promoting physical and mental wellness among older adults. They support evidence-based programs that help seniors manage chronic conditions and prevent injuries.
Falls Prevention Programs
Recognizing that falls are a leading cause of injury among older adults, NCOA's National Falls Prevention Resource Center promotes and supports effective interventions. Their services include:
- Online tools: The Falls Free Checkup® helps individuals assess their risk.
- Community training: Training for professionals to implement evidence-based falls prevention programs.
- Advocacy: Raising awareness about falls prevention on a national scale.
Chronic Disease Self-Management
Through its Center for Healthy Aging, NCOA supports a variety of evidence-based programs, many of which are offered through a network of community partners. These programs help older adults with chronic conditions like arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease take a more active role in managing their health. Examples include the Chronic Pain Self-Management Program and others focusing on depression and anxiety.
Advancing Behavioral Health Programs
NCOA also advances behavioral health programs such as Healthy IDEAS, designed to detect and reduce the severity of depression symptoms in older adults. They also support screening and intervention programs for substance abuse.
Supporting Caregivers
Recognizing the vital role of caregivers, NCOA provides resources to support their health and well-being. Their caregiver support section offers tools and information on various topics.
- Connecting caregivers to local support resources via the Eldercare Locator.
- Providing information on managing the complexities of health care decisions.
- Offering guidance on financial planning and navigating care costs.
- Information on how to prevent scams and fraud targeting older adults.
NCOA's Services: How They Reach Older Adults
NCOA's work is not conducted in a vacuum; it is delivered through a variety of channels to ensure maximum reach and impact.
Comparison of NCOA’s Key Online Tools
| Feature | BenefitsCheckUp® | My Medicare Matters | Falls Free Checkup® |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Goal | Find benefits for food, housing, etc. | Navigate Medicare choices and enrollment. | Assess personal risk of falling. |
| Target Audience | Low-income seniors and people with disabilities. | Adults approaching or on Medicare. | All older adults seeking to prevent falls. |
| Information Required | Zip code, income, health status. | Personal health needs, doctor network. | Simple questionnaire about health and habits. |
| Key Outcome | Personalized list of potential benefits. | Guided decision-making on plan options. | Personalized falls prevention action plan. |
Technical Assistance and Advocacy
NCOA works with community-based organizations nationwide, providing technical assistance and training to ensure effective program delivery. They also serve as a national voice for older adults, advocating for policies that strengthen programs like Medicare and the Older Americans Act. More information on their policy priorities can be found on their website NCOA Policy & Advocacy.
Conclusion: A Holistic Approach to Aging
The National Council on Aging provides a wide range of services that extend far beyond simple information delivery. By focusing on both financial security and healthy aging, and by supporting caregivers, they offer a holistic approach to improving the lives of millions of older adults. Through their user-friendly online tools like BenefitsCheckUp® and their extensive network of community partners, NCOA ensures that seniors and their families can access the vital resources they need to age with dignity, purpose, and security.
