Unserved, unseen, and unheard: integrating programs for HIV-infected and HIV-affected older adults

Abstract

This article explores the parallel structures and service delivery systems of the Older Americans' Act and the Ryan White CARE Act, argues that social workers should have a working knowledge of both pieces of public policy, and suggests integration or coordination of aging and HIV services. Two vignettes illuminate the issues and implications for HIV and aging network social workers. The authors argue that HIV social workers should know more about services for older people and that gerontological social workers should know more about HIV services so that HIV-infected and HIV-affected older people do not remain unserved, unseen, and unheard.