Aging Services 650-25-20

(Revised 07/01/23 ML #3741)

The North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services Mission Statement is to help North Dakotans of all ages enhance their well-being and quality of life by supporting equitable access to the social determinants of health, which include economic stability, housing, education, food, community, and health care.

Aging Services administers programs and services that support older adults and adults with physical disabilities to live independently in their own homes and communities if they choose.

Planning and Service Area:

Aging Services is designated by the Governor as the sole state agency to administer programs and services under the Older Americans Act (OAA).
The State of North Dakota received designation as a single planning and service area to carry out the functions of both the State Agency and the Area Agency on Aging as outlined in the OAA.
Regional staff, located throughout the State work directly with Aging Services in program administration and implementation, and the provision of direct services. The eight Human Service Centers have been designated as focal points.

State Plan on Aging:

The State Plan on Aging serves as a planning and compliance document for the provision of services for North Dakota’s older individuals. Developed as a four-year plan, it outlines specific focus areas, goals, and objectives to implement the Plan.
Public hearings are conducted to obtain input to when developing the State Plan on Aging.

Advocacy:

Aging Services advocates for the needs of older individuals as appropriate and as time, resources, and Department policies permit.

Confidentiality:

Aging Services is governed by the confidentiality policies of the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services, Service Chapter 110-01.

Grievances:

A recipient of services may file a grievance in writing to the Director, Aging Services. The grievance statement must list the facts related to the grievance, the nature of the grievance, and request for resolution. The grievance should be made in writing within thirty (30) days of the action. A response to the grievance will be made within five (5) working days of receipt.

Direct Services Provided by Aging Services:

Information and Assistance Services: The North Dakota Aging and Disability Resource-LINK (ADRL), a toll-free line that is staffed by state intake specialists to connect individuals to information about long term services and supports (LTSS).
Ombudsman Services: The State Ombudsman, along with local ombudsmen, receives, investigates, and resolves concerns on behalf of residents in long-term care facilities and tenants of assisted living facilities. Volunteer ombudsmen are certified to assist with the program. (North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services, Service Chapter 695-01, Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program.)
Adult Protective Services: Addresses the safety of vulnerable adults who are at risk of harm due to the presence or threat of abuse, neglect, or exploitation. Program is offered statewide through regional and contracted staff. (North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services, Service Chapter 690-01, Adult Protective Services.)
Options Counseling: Regional staff provides options counseling as identified in the program service standard included in this service chapter.
Family Caregiver Support Program: Regional staff provides family caregiver support program services as identified in the program service standard included in this service chapter.

Contracted Services:

Health Maintenance Services: Provides a combination of services to assess and maintain the health and well-being of older individuals.
Legal Assistance Services: Provides legal advice and representation by an attorney to older individuals with economic and social needs.
Nutrition Services: Provides meals and related nutrition services in congregate (group) settings and home delivered.
Tribal Home Visits: Provides periodic visits to isolated older individuals residing on American Indian Reservations to monitor their health and well-being, and to identify additional service needs.

Technical Assistance:

Aging Services provides technical assistance to organizations, agencies, associations, or individuals representing the needs of older individuals.