Abstract:

The problems involved in separately administering over 1,000 aid programs have resulted in inefficient & inappropriate care for our nation's aged. This problem is made more acute by the fact that elderly people are more likely to give up & drop out of programs they need when faced with delays & bureaucratic red tape. The Older American Comprehensive Amendment has wrought positive changes, & some improvement is seen on the local level, but the need still exists for the appointment of an Assistant Secretary for the Aging within the Health, Education, & Welfare Dept, empowered to coordinate programs specifically aimed at the aged. He/she would also be involved with the Housing & Urban Development Dept, to see that all government programs worked together as smoothly as possible.