About Area 12
Agency Profile
The Area 12 Agency on Aging, established as
a five county Joint Powers Agency in 1987, provides services
to approximately 11,000 older adults. It is part of an aging
network which includes 33 Area Agencies on Aging statewide and
over 675 nationwide.
The A12AA is responsible for providing funds, through an impartial
request for proposal process, to community senior service providers
who exhibit a high standard of program excellence.
As an advocate for older adults, the Area 12 Agency on Aging
strives to ensure opportunities for independence and the highest
possible quality of life are available to all Area 12 residents
60 years and older.
The effectiveness of this agency lies in the knowledge, advice and
enthusiastic support provided by the senior community.
Mission Statement
The responsibility of the Area 12 Agency on Aging
is to serve all of the five counties 60-plus population, including
those with different social and cultural needs; support self-determination
and independence among the older population; and provide leadership
in the development of a community-based system of care. This mission
is accomplished through a network of education, advocacy, problem
solving, program planning and funding.
Advisory Council
The A12AA Advisory Council consists of 30 members
appointed by the Board of Supervisors in each county, who contribute
many volunteer hours serving on community and task forces, visiting
grantee agencies in an effort to learn first hand what services
are being provided, and working closely with the Area Agency
on Aging Director and staff on matters of senior legislation,
local program funding distribution and the agency's overall direction
and goals.
The Council is strengthened by the diversity of its membership.
All five counties are represented, thus broadening the Council's
capacity to serve and benefit the entire senior population of
Alpine, Amador, Calaveras, Mariposa and Tuolumne Counties.
Advisory Council members discuss senior issues, plan and recommend
agency direction and educate the community through monthly meetings
and public hearings.
The Older Americans Act
The federal Older Americans Act (OAA) was enacted
by Congress in 1965 to establish mandates for the provisions
and funding of services to the 60-plus population. The Administration
on Aging (AoA) through state units on aging is responsible for
distributing funds and monitoring OAA mandates.
The OAA and the AoA, along with state units on aging, are the
foundation for a nationwide network of Senior Advocates called
Area Agencies on Aging.
The Area 12 Agency on Aging works hand-in-hand with the community
to carry out the objectives of the OAA and provide the necessary
tools to build a quality way of life with dignity and respect for seniors.
Community outreach is important in an Area Agency
on Aging. Community contact also serves as an avenue to assess
the current needs of older adults.
The A12AA makes itself available to the community through public
meetings, by participating in senior functions and by making
the agency accessible to the people it serves.
Community Senior Centers
If you want to stay in shape, sharpen your driving skills, travel, watch a movie, join in a
card game, learn to dance, receive legal or health insurance counseling, or participate
in a local health screening; you can do it all through your local senior center. Other
activities include community art classes, community sewing classes, in-house lending
library, bingo, Wii activities, planned day trips, and more.
Elder Abuse
Elder abuse, the "Silent Suffering",
is commonly thought to mean acts of physical violence against
older persons. In actuality, it encompasses many different forms
of dangerous behavior.
- Physical Abuse
- Psychological Abuse
- Caregiver Neglect
- Self-Neglect
- Financial Exploitation
Area 12 contracts with Catholic Charities to provide elder abuse prevention and protection
in homes and institutions. In addition, it offers public education,
outreach, referral and complaint investigation on behalf of vulnerable
older persons; ensuring a safe and protected living environment
for all older adults.