Gov. Bobby Jindal’s decision not to replace the fired head of his Office of Elderly Affairs for nearly three years has lessened the effectiveness of the agency’s mission to help the elderly, according to an audit released today.
Legislative Auditor Daryl Purpera’s Office says the agency’s formula for sending state and federal money to local councils on aging doesn’t determine where needs are greatest. The audit says the office doesn’t consistently track the services it funds, and the shortfall could become more acute as the elderly population grows and the need for services intensifies.
The Office of Elderly Affairs works with local senior centers, community service organizations and volunteer programs to provide assistance with meals, transportation, counseling and personal care for senior citizens.
“Having stronger and more consistent oversight and strategically using data to evaluate and manage would help [the agency] ensure that effective and relevant services are delivered to the increasing number of elderly in Louisiana,” the audit says.
The Jindal administration defended its formula, saying it was approved by federal officials and didn’t need tweaking. Karen Ryder, deputy assistant secretary for the Office of Elderly Affairs, says in a written response to the audit that the agency will work more closely with local organizations to monitor spending.
In 2012, Jindal fired the office’s executive director, Martha Manuel, a day after she told lawmakers that the governor’s plan to merge the Office of Elderly Affairs into the state health department would damage services for Louisiana’s senior citizens. Lawmakers later refused to allow the move. Jindal never named another executive director to lead the agency. The Associated Press has the full story.
