Senior Citizen Advisory Com m ittee Report of Findings On August - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Senior Citizen Advisory Com m ittee Report of Findings

On August 21, 2017 the South Portland City Council voted unanimously to create an Ad Hoc Senior Citizens Advisory Committee Mission: Ensure the city’s elder residents “have access to services and infrastructure enabling them to live safely and with dignity as they age

The Committee The Committee ● Councilor Maxine Beecher ● Cathy McDonald ● Councilor Susan Henderson ● Sheila Szafran ● Elizabeth Ross-Holmstrom ● Linda Best ● Adele Edelman ● Joan Herzog ● Kathleen Babeu, Director of Social Services ● Meredith Tipton

Research Methods Research Methods -Survey sent to South Portland Seniors -Focus groups conducted with providers -Analysis of needs and resources

8 Domains of Livability 8 Domains of Livability

The Survey The Survey Total of 4,185 surveys mailed to South Portland residents 60+ 704 responses from ages 65-84 and 133 from age 85 + Although we did receive 163 respondents between ages 60-64, We focused on 65+

The Focus Groups The Focus Groups -Four separate focus groups were conducted -Many community members and professionals involved with the senior citizen community were included in these groups

Combined Results Survey and Focus Combined Results Survey and Focus Groups: Groups: Buildings & Outdoor Spaces Buildings & Outdoor Spaces -Most respondents indicated that they were able to access buildings and use outdoor spaces in South Portland -Approximately half of the respondents did cite that they were challenged by poorly-maintained sidewalks, poorly-lit streets and unsafe sidewalks and crosswalks.

Combined Results Survey and Focus Combined Results Survey and Focus Groups: Groups: Transportation Transportation -As age increases, vehicle usage decreases -Respondents noted a desire for clearing of ice and snow, designated parking and better street lighting. -Twice as many aged 85 and older noted inaccessible or inconvenient transportation was an issue. -Respondents indicated a need for affordable ride services -Challenges getting to and from bus stops and timing of trips cited as barriers to using public transport.

Combined Results Survey and Focus Combined Results Survey and Focus Groups: Groups: Housing Housing -Three-quarters of respondents age 65-84 live in single family homes. -Thirty-three percent of those age 65-84 and 41% of 85+ respondents responded to the question of needing assistance with home repair or maintenance. -The need for help with snow removal, steps, sidewalks, driveways and roof was cited by 69% of respondents. This was followed by help with carpentry and painting, then plumbing and electrical services. -There were a significant number of comments noting the need for help with property tax relief.

Combined Results Survey and Focus Combined Results Survey and Focus Groups: Groups: Social Participation Social Participation -Less than half of the survey respondents answered the question “What prevents you from socializing more?” -For those that did, no one to go with, mobility issues and finding out about events too late were the most frequent responses.

Combined Results Survey and Focus Groups: Combined Results Survey and Focus Groups: Respect & Social Isolation Respect & Social Isolation -A majority (99%) felt safe both at home and in the community. -Providers felt social isolation to be a problem for seniors. -Isolation is impacted by health, transportation, information availability and financial resources.

Combined Results Survey and Focus Combined Results Survey and Focus Groups: Groups: Civic Participation Civic Participation -The majority of respondents (77%) indicated no interest in volunteer opportunities. -However, 33% of respondents between the ages of 65 and 84 indicated that they were willing to volunteer

Combined Results Survey and Focus Groups: Combined Results Survey and Focus Groups: Communication Communication The primary sources of information: ○ Newspapers and printed word ○ TV ○ Word of mouth

Combined Results Survey and Focus Groups: Combined Results Survey and Focus Groups: Community Support & Health Services Community Support & Health Services -Most respondents (94%) have someone to check on them if they get sick. -33% of respondents indicated they have no one to help with personal care -The need for case manager and advocates to: -Help navigate the health and social service system -Provide oversite for medication management; and -Reduce unnecessary 911 Calls and Emergency Room Visits

Gap Analysis Gap Analysis -Compared needs and available resources in South Portland -Services are available to meet most needs but a variety of factors can limit access and adequacy -Further assessment needed as work progresses

Needed Services Needed Services -Help with snow shoveling, yard work, home care -Non-electronic communication -Comprehensive resource directory in many formats

Needed Services Needed Services -Transportation -Taxes too high -Sidewalk issues -Crosswalks, unsafe intersections -Affordable housing

Our Recommendation Our Recommendation Appoint an ad hoc Senior Implementation Committee to lead and coordinate the work of implementing the recommendations, with specific timelines to track progress.

Special Thanks Special Thanks ● Marilyn Reilly ● Elizabeth Ross-Holmstrom ● Mary Pelletier ● Michelle Denois ● April Caricchio ● Dr. Bernadette Kroon ● Sharon Martin ● Arthur Handman, Director of Transportation ● Chase Hewitt, Executive Intern to the City of South Portland ● Phil Smith, South Portland Housing Authority ● Kylie Stevenson-Lyon ● Jennifer Caswell

Questions? For full results, visit: www.southportland.org/survey?