Delaware Aging Network - History and Accomplishments

Delaware Aging Network

Care Management
Independent Living
Information and Referral
Public Policy
Senior Centers
Transportation

History and Accomplishments

Because of the vision and pioneering spirit of the Delaware Community Foundation, the Delaware Aging Network (DAN) is changing the shape of the older adult service delivery system throughout the state of Delaware and helping senior Delawareans meet the challenges of remaining independent.

DAN fulfilled its purpose and achieved its program goals through 2007.

Improved older adults’ abilities to access support and referrals through the care management services in New Castle and Kent Counties providing services for 434 clients who previously were underserved

Established a program to prevent isolation and enhance quality of life for older adults through improved mobility through the Sussex County Mobility Consortium. This program will be expanded into Kent and New Castle Counties in 2008

Enhanced collaboration between senior service agencies in each county and statewide. Nineteen (19) agencies actively participated in the network and another thirty-five (35) organizations collaborated with DAN

Expanded the service capacity of network agencies and reduced duplication of services by providing care management services, utilizing a statewide database for information and referral and outreach activities

Introduced a visual free-standing display offering easy-to-read information about the Center’s daily schedule and services available through DAN agencies at Newark Senior Center with funding from AstraZeneca

Selected a web-based data collection program, to improve operational efficiencies and outcome evaluations

Participated in the American Planning Association's regional conference about creating livable communities for older adults

Public Policy Initiative

DAN representatives from all three counties met with Lt. Governor John Carney, Senator Patti Blevins (New Castle), Representative Nancy Wagner (Kent), and the legislative aide for Representative Joe Booth (Sussex). Awareness of the Delaware Aging Network was created, identifying critical concerns for the growing older population, while promoting leadership in the Executive and Legislative branches of state government to drive cooperative and collaborative development of solutions.