(a) The General Assembly finds that it is in the best interest of the citizens of Illinois to identify and address the special challenges and needs faced by older rural residents. The General Assembly further finds that rural areas are often under-served and unserved to the detriment of older residents and their families, which may require the allocation of additional resources.
     (b) The Department shall identify the special needs and problems of older rural residents and evaluate the adequacy and accessibility of existing programs and information for older rural residents. The scope of the Department’s work shall encompass both Older American Act services, Community Care services, and all other services targeted in whole or in part at residents 60 years of age and older, regardless of the setting in which the service is provided.
     (c) (Blank).