Indiana Aging Network Showcases Innovative Solutions on National Stage

CICOA Aging & In-Home Solutions and the network of area agencies on aging (AAAs) across the state are bringing expertise from the Hoosier state to the national stage. CICOA’s significant presence at the national aging network’s USAging Conference and Tradeshow underscores our commitment to addressing the social determinants of health and elevating Indiana as a leader in long-term services and supports.

At this year’s USAging conference in Tampa, Fla., July 8-11, representatives from CICOA presented as subject matter experts in nine panels and workshops.

• CICOA President & CEO Tauhric Brown was invited to speak at two preconference intensive workshops. First, he spoke on a panel for new agency directors, giving them access to veteran knowledge and experience, including how to approach key relationships and where the aging network is headed. He also spoke on a panel with USAging CEO Sandy Markwood, sharing the latest advancements of family caregiving as a social driver of health. Tauhric and other Indiana AAA executives presented on Community Care Hub Indiana’s role in the rollout of PathWays for Aging. His fourth presentation, “Health and Social Care Systems Integration: Revenue Opportunities to Pursue,” explored the emerging business lines AAAs should be paying attention to in the integrated care landscape.
• A team of CICOA staff shared research on “The Evolution of Community Health Workers at a Central Indiana AAA,” diving into public health outcomes as a result of implementing CHWs in care management teams and facilitating a behavioral health grant. Vice President of Business Development Donata Duffy, CHW Team Lead McKenzie Reed and Data Analyst Rebecca Hailperin-Lausch co-presented.
• Director of Data & Research Kelsey Chance joined a workshop panel to discuss “Health and Social Care Systems Integration” and co-presented on a research partnership with University of Indianapolis Center for Aging & Community titled “Leveraging University Partnerships to Transform AAA Programs Through Evaluation.”
• CICOA Way2Go Transportation Director Karren Brooks and Billing Specialist Sarah Cranford shared their experience with the My Freedom program, bridging the gap in cross-county transportation.
• Allie Overett, Registered Dietitian, and representatives from Area 13 and Indiana Association of Area Agencies on Aging tackled the topic of food insecurity in a panel about the successful implementation of the statewide Produce for Better Health program.

Wrinkle Innovation, CICOA’s venture studio, showcased its portfolio of companies at the new Technology Lab, allowing attendees to demo the products and gain an understanding of the ways these innovative ventures are transforming social services for older adults. Duett, Postbook, Twain Health, Humaniti and Caregiver Way by Joy’s House were all developed to address some of the aging network’s most pressing challenges, including health system integration, social isolation, caregiver support and other virtual healthcare solutions.

Three national awards went to Indiana agencies.

• Community Care Hub of Indiana (CCHI) received an Aging Innovation Award for Health-Social Care Integration. A partnership between lead agency Aging & In-Home Services of Northeast Indiana and venture partner CICOA Aging & In-Home Solutions, CCHI emerged as a direct response to Indiana’s shift to Medicaid managed long-term services and supports, building a network for standardized care.
• Connie Benton Wolfe, president and CEO of Aging & In-Home Services of Northeast Indiana, received the prestigious President’s Award, honoring a colleague in the aging field who has helped advance the mission of USAging.
• A CICOA care manager was selected from a nationwide pool of care managers for the Community Champion Award to recognize his exceptional service and for raising awareness of nutrition in overall health.

As the number of aging Hoosiers continues to grow at a rapid pace, Indiana area agencies on aging are dedicated to advocating for funding, policies and innovation that best serve the needs of Hoosier families. We invite you to join us in shaping the future of aging care in a state where all older adults can thrive. Let’s work together to make Indiana a premier state for age-friendly communities and services.