The aging and disability resource center in global perspective

Abstract

This presentation discusses the United States' Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) initiative, with focus on the state of Iowa and places that effort and related efforts in other countries in global perspective. The U.S. ADRC program now includes over 40 states and other units, which have adopted a mix of online, telephonic, and in-person modes of service delivery for disabled and elderly populations, with funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (Administration on Aging and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services). We focus on ADRC implementation in Iowa administered by the Iowa Department of Elder Affairs, which as adopted an online approach to service delivery through the http://www.lifelinglinks.org/ Website. Information is provided from: (1) a survey conducted with a sample of n=4,005 households in Iowa regarding service delivery for the elderly, (2) a Website testing survey, (3) telephone interviews with stakeholders and consumers of the Iowa ADRC, (4) ADRC participation in the Third International Conference on Healthy Aging and Longevity, held in Melbourne, Australia, in October 2006, and (5) preliminary efforts to scan U.S. states' ADRC Websites and equivalent Websites in selected other countries. These data are used to investigate (a) the e-readiness of Iowans and (b) the state of Iowa's e-Government approach to providing information and referral services on aging and disability to support community-based care options and long-term care planning. Age differences were found in (a) the needs for general information about aging and disability resources and services and (b) access to the Internet. Gathering information was the most frequent activity among the survey participants, followed by email and shopping. Half of the elderly respondents indicated they use the Internet for email and/or gathering information. The e-Government efforts pursued by the State of Iowa's ADRC were focused on access, with criteria such as performance measures, ease of use, content and information, and responsiveness and trust. The participants in telephone interviews valued the e-Government efforts by the State agency, but cautioned about e-exclusion, such as limited access, or low e-literacy among those who are elderly, from low-income households, less well-educated, and who were in disability. The results from this study provide comprehensive information about e-Government services and good case study evidence to policymakers and administrators who are endeavoring to implement or initiate e-Government services.