Aid to older Americans needs to be specific by state, watchdog says

The Older Americans Act of 1965 provides funds for the elderly and their caregivers to assist the individuals in staying in their homes as long as possible before moving to an assisted living facility. But the funding formula used could be improved by taking into account differences between the states and their elderly populations, said the Government Accountability Office.

In 2012, the law has given more than $1.5 billion according to the GAO. In 2010 - the most recent year data is available - the funds were used to support 11 million Americans, the GAO said. All seniors are eligible for aid, but the act targets those with low incomes, disabilities or who are isolated due to geography or language barriers, the GAO said.