Agency Report

The Delaware Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities
Agency Report
Wilmington University Graduate Center
Professor Linda Payne
Fall 2014
October 20, 2014
Administration of Human Services
AHS 8100
By
Crystal Mills-Selby

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Introduction
My internship with the Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical
Disabilities has given me an appreciation for the work that involves caring for the needs of the
elderly in our communities. The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services offers a
wide range of programs and services that work together to improve the quality of life for its
citizens. The department is comprised of 12 divisions, one of those is the DSAAPD and through
partnerships with other organizations it provides supportive services that address the many needs
of the growing aging population and their caregivers within the state. Programs operated by this
division include health/wellness programs, advocacy on behalf of the elderly, and the generating
of resources and funds that meet specific needs (DHSS, 2014)
Program Description
The Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities is divided into
seven units, each with its own specific set of programs, services and functions. The area where
Im conducting my internship is the Service Delivery and Program Unit, it houses several unique
programs that address the needs of older persons and those with physical disabilities. The
Delaware Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) is an access point for obtaining
information/assistance regarding appropriate programs, services, activities, and events related to
aging and disabilities in the state. Another component of the ADRC is Options Counseling,
which helps individuals and families identify their long term care needs and preferences. Case
Management helps the elderly, those with disabilities and their caregivers with getting connected
to services that are needed by conducting assessments, developing care plans, and providing

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ongoing coordination in meeting client needs. The Nursing Home Transition Program identifies,
informs, and assists nursing home residents who want to relocate to a community-based setting.
The Money Management Program promotes and prolongs independent living for individuals
who have difficulties managing their financial matters. Care Delaware (Caregiver AssistanceRespite-Education) assists caregivers who help take care of elderly persons and those with
physical disabilities by offering various resources in effectively caring for their loved ones and
themselves. Finally, Joining Generations is an intergenerational program that supports relative
caregiving through advocacy, education, and other services. All of these programs and services
contribute to the efforts in ensuring that our aging population and those with physical disabilities
are properly supported in our communities.
Mission/Vision
The mission of the DSAAPD is to improve or maintain the quality of life for
Delawareans who are at least 18 years of age with physical disabilities or who are elderly. The
Division is committed to the development and delivery of consumer-driven services which
maximize independence through individual choice, enable individuals to continue living active
and productive lives and protect those who may be vulnerable and at risk (DHSS, 2014).
The vision of the DSAAPD will continue to focus on our core mission, and at the same
time, plan for meeting the challenges that lie ahead. We must prepare to serve succeeding
generations of diverse populations, whose needs may require uniquely different strategies and
resources. We will focus on innovative approaches to advocacy, education, partnering, service
delivery and technology. These approaches will enhance our capacity to: support customers and
their caregivers; encourage healthy lifestyles; teach skills necessary for making informed life

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choices; facilitate greater community integration and participation; promote self-determination;

and foster independence (DHSS, 2014).
The DSAAPDs mission/vision is a catalyst for change that focuses on a collaboration of
state and federal government agencies and community partnerships throughout the state working
together in implementing advocacy efforts to develop service initiatives that improve the lives of
the elderly, adults with physical disabilities, and their caregivers. In order to fulfill their mission
and vision, the DSAAPD has focus areas or goals that reflect their future priorities.
1. Promote excellence in the delivery of core Older Americans Act programs.
2. Develop strategies to fully integrate discretionary grant programs with Older Americans Act
core programs.
3. Support customer control and choice related to long term care options.
4. Support the expansion of home and community based services which enable customers to
direct their own care.
Demographic Information
Across the nation, as well as in Delaware the aging population is increasing. Because of
the states small size and the substantial numbers of retirees migrating to the state, its rates
of elderly residents is growing in astronomical numbers. According to current census
population data there are approximately 182,390 persons living in Delaware who are age 60
and older (DHSS, 2014). Of that number, 15,744 are considered to be the oldest old at age
85 and older (DHSS, 2014). Due to this population growth, there will be increased demands
for social services that address the specific needs of the elderly. In Delaware about 7.8% live
below poverty level; it is estimated that 26,000 are living with Alzheimers Disease or
related disorders; approximately 27.7% who are age 60 and older have at least one disability;

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it is estimated that 1.7% are responsible for the care of grandchildren under the age of 18;
and those age 65 and older 17.2% of males and 32.1% of females live alone (DHSS, 2014).
With the advancements in modern medicine and technology, it is projected that our elderly
will live longer and it will be the responsibility of our government agencies, along with
community partnerships to develop and initiate innovative strategies in helping to care for
the aging population.
Policies and Procedures
The DSAAPD adheres to the policies and procedures outlined by the Delaware Office of
Management and Budget (Human Resources) through the Merit Rules which addresses
employee conduct and the varied rules of state employment. The division also has their own
internal policy and procedure manuals that speak on the specific rules and implementation as
it pertains to the various programs and services utilized by the Division of Services for
Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities.
Organizational Structure
Due to the vastness of the DSAAPD, the operations that are carried out within such a
large division must be broken down per unit to explain organizational structure. In the
hierarchy of the DSAAPD, the Director is the highest ranking official. The Service Delivery
and Program Unit is headed by the division Deputy Director which houses several programs
such as the ADRC, CARE Delaware, Joining Generations, Delaware Money Management,
Nursing Home Transition, along with Case Management and Options Counseling Services.
The leadership of the unit appears to be that of a Participatory style, each employee works
together providing input of knowledge, skills, and collaborative staff effort in ensuring that
the programs and services are effectively meeting the needs and concerns of the public.

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Governance
The DSAAPD is one of many divisions that is a part of the Delaware Department of
Health and Social Services. Under the executive branch of state government, it is headed by
Secretary Rita Landgraf along with a diverse group ranging from Director Jill Rogers,
Deputy Director, Director of Professional Services, Chief Fiscal Officer, Long term Care
Coordinator, and Community Partnership leaders. The division also benefits from the advice
of the Governors Advisory Council on Services for Aging and Adults with Physical
Disabilities, which provides advice on programs that benefit these populations (DHSS,
2014). The operational plans utilized by the DHSS/DSAAPD must also adhere to strict
federal guidelines of the Administration on Aging which provides funding for several
program initiatives in the state.
Funding
The DSAAPD receives funding from a number of sources. The divisions contract with
the Administration on Aging allows the state to receive funding under The Older Americans
Act Titles III, V, and VII grants (DHSS, 2014). This funding provides for core programs
such as Adult Protective Services, Congregate/Home Delivered meals, Adult Day Services,
Legal Services, Respite Care, Preventive Care, and various other services. The Older
Americans Act Grants provides funding for home and community-based services, health
promotion activities, caregiver support programs, advocacy, and agency administration. The
Social Services Block Grant provides for home and community based services for those
elderly and the disabled who meet specified income guidelines. General Funds offered by

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the Delaware General Assembly are received on an annual basis to support home,
community-based services, the Money Management Program, and Adult Protective
Services. The Nutrition Services Incentive Program provides cash support for meal
programs funded by the OAA. The last source of funding is through Tobacco Settlement
Funds which provides support for the divisions Attendant Services Program. In the future
the Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities with have to
develop strategies to increase funding resources to meet the demands of Delawares
increasing aging population and their unique needs.
Relationships to Other Agencies
Throughout its history, the Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical
Disabilities has continually partnered with numerous community and government agencies.
In order for direct care strategies to be effective, collaborations with key stakeholders need
to provide a quality of service that aligns with client demand and current trends. Having the
support of additional community partners allows for a vast number of individuals to seek the
resources and receive the help that meets their specific needs. Some of these partnerships
include: Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance; Department of Insurance; Freedom
Center for Independent Living; Independent Resources; Delaware Aging Network;
Christiana Care Health System; State Council for Persons with Disabilities; and a host of
other community partners. The coordination of services promotes excellence and efficiency
in the delivery of services.
Strengths, Trends, Challenges
The Delaware State Plan on Aging is a priority initiative that focuses on future goals of
the DSAAPD. Through advocacy efforts the plan will promote efforts on improving the

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lives of the elderly and those with disabilities. Strengths of the plan are to rebalance
resources to reduce the states reliance on facility based care, by expanding the availability
of service options for those who choose to receive long term care supports in home and
community based settings (DHSS, 2014). This Aging in Place philosophy will provide
individuals with the necessary resources to continue living in their homes safely and
independently, allowing them to interact with their families and communities. A major trend
of the plan is promoting the development of Tele-Health services statewide, advocating and
making state officials aware of the benefits to individuals who wish to direct their own care
(DHSS, 2014). The delivery of health related services and information by way of
telecommunication technology will expand direct services that promote preventative and
curative results. Currently Tele-Health is used to communicate with patients, order drug
prescriptions, and provide various health services. One of the major challenges for Delaware
is the fact that the elderly population is growing and there is a need for additional funding to
support the increasing demand for services.
Interns Role
The Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities welcomes the
opportunity to work with students who are interested in developing skills and learning about
the delivery of services to older persons and adults with physical disabilities (DHSS, 2014).
My role at the DSAAPD has been to revise and prepare nursing department policy and
procedure manuals for the long term care facilities Emily P. Bissell Hospital and Governor
Bacon Health Center. Im also a participant observer, becoming familiar with the Service
Delivery and Program Units various programs, services, and professional opportunities.

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Conclusion
Through the implementation of the State Plan on Aging, the DSAAPD has developed
goals and objectives that focus on serving the growing aging and disability populations, by
providing the needed resources and seeking an individuals input in their care delivery. As
we move into the future, our county, state, and federal government agencies must provide
funding and resources that will produce a broad range of innovative strategies that will
address direct care services in the state of Delaware.

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Reference

Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities. (2014, September)
Retrieved from. http://dhss.Delaware.gov/dhss/dsaapd