statewide programs and services to assure that older persons have access to, and assistance in securing and maintaining, benefits available to them, and their rights. Title VII contains four components: the long-term care ombudsman program; the program for the prevention of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation; the state elder rights and legal assistance development program; and outreach, counseling, and assistance programs. The title also contains a separate authorization of appropriations for a Native Americans elder rights program.

Funds appropriated for Title VII activities are awarded to state agencies on aging based on a formula that takes into account the state’s population aged 60 years or over compared to all states. The law requires that states be allotted funds for the long-term care ombudsman and elder abuse prevention programs (previously funded under Title III) in an amount no less than they received in FY 1991. It also requires that certain minimum funding levels be maintained for all Title VII programs.⁴

State agencies on aging are given discretion as to how they distribute Title VII funds within the state. States may implement the program directly, or through contracts or agreements with public or nonprofit private agencies or organizations, such as other state agencies, area agencies on aging, county governments, institutions of higher education, Indian tribes, or nonprofit service providers or volunteer organizations.