Comprehensive What? Coordination of Whom? Rural AAA's and the Planning Mandate

Abstract

The rural area agency on aging does not (and cannot) engage in effective social planning. It is overwhelmed by responsibility for sub-state decision making. Several characteristics of present AAA planning are identified, including plan preparation, rationalized decision making, sub-state decision making and needs meeting. Widespread acceptance of the legitimacy of AAA plan ning goals has generated three alternative approaches which are termed the "case-management, " "interorganizational" and "community structure" approaches. Effective rural planning for the aged might combine elements of these approaches in an effective regional planning strategy.