Religious (Faith Based) Care for the Aging
- History

There has been a long tradition of church-related support for older adults in the United States. As the elderly population has increased, church-based services to the elderly have re-focused and expanded. Also, federal and state government involvement with faith-based organizations has become more evident. The evolution of this partnership has not been without public policy debate and judicial scrutiny.

In the late 90’s, legislative enactment of the "Charitable Choice" section of the federal welfare reform law reflected Government action to equalize access to federal funds for faith-based organizations. Expanded efforts in the Bush Administration have resulted in the creation of a Center for Faith based and Community Initiatives and the issuance of an executive order to establish similar units in federal agencies.

Historically, the Administration on Aging (AoA) has supported community and in-home services, many of which have been hosted by church-based organizations, and funded under the Older Americans Act through a network of State Units and Area Agencies on Aging and tribal organizations. AoA continues to support church based congregate meals, transportation, home repair, companion, and other services to help older adults live independently in the community. Other federal agencies support faith-based housing, social service, counseling and health service programs; and academic investigation of (e.g.) the influence of religion and spirituality on health, and other aspects of the mind-body-spirit connection.