Milestones Area Agency on Aging

Mission:

Milestones is the resource for connecting seniors, adults with disabilities and family caregivers to services.

Vision:

Milestones will be the organization for assisting older Iowans, adults with disabilities and their family caregivers to identify and access the services and resources needed to remain independent and self-sufficient.

History/Background:

In 1965, Congress enacted the Older Americans Act to coordinate community-based programs for older citizens. Its objectives were to assist senior citizens in finding adequate housing, health services, dignified long-term institutional and in-home care and to act as an advocate for job opportunities. Amendments to the Act in 1972 increased its range to include a nutrition program for the elderly, and in 1973 required states to establish Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) to coordinate federal and state programs with local efforts.

Milestones is one of the 6 AAA's in Iowa that serve as a state recognized Aging and Disability Resource Center for seniors ages 60 and over, individuals over 18 living with disabilities, and family caregivers.

About Us:

Milestones and its programs are funded through a partnership of federal & state dollars, private donations, grants, area business sponsors and community support. Federal money is allocated through the Administration for Community Living, and state funding is funneled to the Iowa Area Agencies on Aging through the Iowa Department on Aging.

Milestones is governed by their Board of Directors who represent a cross section of the 17-county service area. Becky Passman, CEO, is responsible for over 100+ staff, and day-to-day operations in our SE Iowa region.

Through our menu of services, Milestones (Muscatine, Scott, and Clinton Counties) served 2,137 consumers/consumer groups and 122,745 units in FY 2018. Services include:

Information, Referral and Assistance provides a connection to community networks and service options to help people over 60 and older, along with individuals with disabilities age 19 and over, maintain independence, security, and quality of life.

Care Coordination assists individuals age 60 and over to live independently at home by coordinating home-based community services that help with activities of daily living.

Senior Nutrition Program offers daily nutritious meals to individuals age 60 and over which are served in a social, congregate dining center, or delivered to the home. Individual nutrition counseling and group nutrition/wellness education is also offered.

Family Caregiver Program supports people who care for their parents, spouses, or others by providing information and resources along with individual counseling.

Options Counseling provides person-centered planning and implementing of long-term supports and services for people age 60 and over, individuals age 18 and over living with a disability, veterans and caregivers. Designed to lead people to the right resources for decision making.

Wellness and Safety evidence-based education classes such as Better Choices, Better Health; Matter of Balance; and Tai Chi for Arthritis are offered for chronic disease self-management and fall prevention practices.

Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) connects experienced volunteers with individuals to help find answers to questions about Medicare and other health insurance issues.

Adult/Elder Abuse Prevention & Awareness Program provides resources, information, and proactive solutions for individuals and families that have concerns for their safety and well-being.

Older Worker Employment Program provides an array of employment and supportive services to those age 55 and older with disabilities who are serviced through Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation.