Title III Aging Programs

Overview

Aging Services supports Guam’s senior population through programs, outreach, advocacy, care coordination, and community-based support initiatives that promote independence, dignity, wellness, and quality of life. The program works to ensure that older adults throughout Guam have access to information, services, and support systems that help them remain active, connected, informed, and safe.

As Guam’s aging population continues to grow, Aging Services plays an increasingly important role in strengthening services for seniors and supporting families who care for elderly loved ones. The program collaborates with healthcare providers, caregivers, community organizations, village leaders, nonprofits, and government agencies to improve access to care and reduce barriers that may affect older adults.

Aging Services also promotes healthy aging initiatives that encourage seniors to maintain physical, emotional, and social well-being while remaining engaged within their communities.

Services and Support

• Title III-B Supportive Services:
  1. Adult Day Care Services
  2. Case Management Services
  3. In-Home Serves
  4. Legal Assistance Services
  5. Senior Center Operations
  6. Transportation Services
• Title III-C Nutrition:
  1. C1 – Congregate Meals
  2. C2 – Home-Delivered Meals
• Title III-D Preventive Health Services: Highest Tier Evidence Based Program recognized by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
• Title III-E National Family Caregiver Support Program: Offers training, counseling, support groups, and respite care for informal family caregivers looking after older relatives.
• Title VII:
  1. Elder Abuse
  2. Ombudsman Services

Areas of Focus

• Case Management Services (CMS): CMS works closely with the client and their family or caregiver to engage their assistance and cooperation in meeting the client’s needs as reflected in their Individualized Care Plan (ICP). CMS identifies agencies and programs to help resolve a problem or situation a client may experience. Once problem is resolved, CMS assists client in identifying long-term solutions.
• Adult Day Care (ADC): ADC provides services to older individuals who have been determined to be functionally impaired and are at risk of institutionalization. Participants receive personal care in a supervised, protective, congregate setting. Provides respite services for the families and caretakers of older individuals participating in this program. Services offered within this program typically include supervised social and recreational activities, training, meals, and services such as rehabilitation and medication assistance.
• In-Home Services (HIS): IHS provides a maximum of 4 service hours per week of assistance to frail older individuals who are at risk of institutionalization due to limitations on their ability to function independently. Services provided include homemaker services, personal care, chore and telephone reassurance.
• Elderly Nutrition Program (Congregate and Home-delivered meals): Provides a hot nutritious meal for lunch which meets the minimum Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for adults. Meals are designed to be low in sodium and cholesterol and meet the general health needs of the elderly.
• Transportation Services Program: The Transportation Services Program facilitates access to supportive and nutrition services through provision of fixed or non-fixed service routes. The clients of the program are age sixty (60) years or older and their spouse below the age sixty (60), provided the underage spouse is accompanying the eligible participating client, their spouse.
• Preventive Health: Preventive Health provides evidence-based nutrition and physical activity programs that aims to engage positive change.
• National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP): The NFCSP assists caregivers maintain their caregiving roles by providing respite, individual counseling, participation in support groups, training in managing the care of their loved one, information and assistance to resources in the community and supplemental services.
• Legal Assistance Services (LAS): Legal Assistance Services Program (LAS) ensures the rights and entitlements of older individuals by providing or securing legal assistance in addressing their legal needs and requirements.
• Bureau of Adult Protective Services (BAPS): The BAPS is responsible for receiving and investigating reports of suspected abuse against elderly (age 60 years and older) or adults (age 18 years and older) with a disability.
• Ombudsman Services: The Ombudsman acts as a liaison between residents and the staff and management of long-term care facilities. The Ombudsman visits facility residents (seniors) to enhance the quality of their lives by hearing and resolving concerns, advocating for their rights, and protecting their health, safety and welfare.
• Aging Disability Resource Center (ADRC): The Guam ADRC is a web-based, database and information system for improving access to care for older adults, individuals with disabilities, and family caregivers while integrating community based Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS).
• State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP): The Guam State Health Insurance Assistance Program, locally known as the Guam Medicare Assistance Program (MAP) is a part of a national program that offers one-on-one counseling and assistance to people with Medicare and their families.
• Senior Medicare Patrol Project (SMP): The SMP mission is to empower and assist Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers, to prevent, detect, and report suspected healthcare fraud, errors, and abuse through outreach, counseling, and education.

Program Goals

• Promote healthy aging and wellness
• Improve access to senior support services
• Encourage independent living
• Reduce social isolation among seniors
• Support family caregivers
• Increase awareness of senior resources
• Strengthen partnerships that serve Guam’s elderly population
• Improve quality of life for older adults

Community Impact

Aging Services helps strengthen Guam’s support network for seniors by improving awareness of available resources and promoting community-based care and wellness initiatives. Through education, outreach, and partnerships, the program contributes to safer, healthier, and more connected communities for older adults.

Adult Protective Services (APS)

Overview

Adult Protective Services investigates reports involving abuse, neglect, exploitation, abandonment, and self-neglect involving vulnerable adults. The program works to protect individuals who may be unable to fully safeguard their own well-being due to physical, mental, emotional, developmental, or social limitations.

APS coordinates with healthcare providers, social workers, law enforcement agencies, caregivers, legal entities, and community organizations to assess situations involving vulnerable adults and connect individuals to appropriate protective services and support resources.

The program also promotes public awareness regarding the prevention and reporting of abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

Key Functions

• Intake and assessment of reports
• Investigation of abuse or neglect concerns
• Crisis intervention and response
• Case management support
• Coordination with healthcare and legal agencies
• Safety planning assistance
• Referrals to supportive services
• Advocacy for vulnerable adults
• Community outreach and awareness education
• Monitoring and follow-up support

Types of Cases Addressed

• Physical abuse
• Emotional or psychological abuse
• Financial exploitation
• Neglect by caregivers
• Self-neglect
• Unsafe living conditions
• Abandonment
• Social isolation concerns

Investigation and Response

APS reviews reports received from healthcare providers, community members, agencies, caregivers, and concerned individuals. When appropriate, assessments are conducted to determine safety risks and identify possible interventions.

The program works collaboratively with medical providers, law enforcement, social service organizations, and emergency responders to help ensure vulnerable adults receive appropriate support and protection.

Community Education and Prevention

Adult Protective Services also works to educate the public about:

• Signs of abuse and neglect
• Financial exploitation awareness
• Reporting responsibilities
• Community responsibility in protecting vulnerable adults
• Caregiver stress and support resources
• Prevention and intervention strategies

Program Goals

• Protect vulnerable adults from harm
• Increase awareness of abuse prevention
• Improve community reporting systems
• Strengthen protective service coordination
• Support dignity, safety, and well-being
• Promote access to supportive services

Community Impact

APS helps strengthen Guam’s protective services system by responding to reports of abuse and neglect while promoting greater awareness of the importance of protecting vulnerable adults and supporting safe living environments.

Family Caregiver Support Program

Overview

The Family Caregiver Support Program provides assistance, education, guidance, and support to family members and unpaid caregivers caring for older adults or individuals with functional limitations.

Caregiving responsibilities can place emotional, physical, and financial stress on families. This program helps caregivers access resources, information, and community support systems that assist them in providing safe and effective care while maintaining their own well-being.

The program recognizes caregivers as essential partners in supporting Guam’s aging population and individuals with long-term care needs.

Services Provided

• Caregiver education and training
• Information and referral assistance
• Resource navigation support
• Support groups and counseling referrals
• Care planning guidance
• Respite care coordination resources
• Stress management education
• Community outreach and awareness
• Assistance identifying available support programs
• Family support coordination

Areas of Focus

Caregiver Wellness

The program encourages caregivers to prioritize their own physical and emotional health while balancing caregiving responsibilities.

Education and Skill Building

Caregivers receive access to educational resources that support caregiving knowledge, communication, and home care strategies.

Community Support

Families are connected to support systems and community organizations that may assist with caregiving challenges.

Long-Term Care Planning

The program helps families better understand available services and planning considerations for long-term care needs.

Program Goals

• Support caregiver wellness and resilience
• Reduce caregiver burnout and stress
• Improve access to caregiving resources
• Strengthen family support systems
• Promote safe home care environments
• Increase awareness of caregiver needs
• Encourage community support for caregivers

Community Impact

The Family Caregiver Support Program helps strengthen Guam’s caregiving network by empowering families with education, resources, and support services that improve the well-being of both caregivers and care recipients.

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