Senior Needs Assessment Presentation SENIOR NEEDS ASSESSMENT COMMUNITY AND SENIOR SERVICES COMMISSION Town Council Meeting NOVEMBER 3, 2015
Our commission surveyed 23 local professionals who provide senior services Legal Assistance Tax Assistance Telephone Reassurance Home Meal Delivery Group Dining Health Screenings Prescription Assistance Caregiver Classes/Education Respite for Caregivers Assistance with Personal Care Assistance with Outside Activities Discounts to Seniors SENIOR NEEDS ASSESSMENT
Seniors, however, do not have the information they need to take advantage these services these services SENIOR NEEDS ASSESSMENT 1 1.6 1.6 1.7 1.7 2.4 2.4 1.5 2.3 1.9 2.3 2.2 5 Perceived Awareness of Senior Services (1 -5, Low to High)
Lack of Awareness Lack of Transportation Location Lack of Adequate Facilities Though services for seniors exist, there are informational and logistical barriers to access SENIOR NEEDS ASSESSMENT While services for seniors exist, they are difficult to access – especially for a homebound population Seniors are forced to interact and coordinate with too many providers to ensure their needs are met The challenges cause too many seniors to forego the services they need Barriers to Accessing Services
Lack of Awareness Lack of Transportation Location Lack of Adequate Facilities The survey indicates that seniors need a local hub to address informational and access gaps SENIOR NEEDS ASSESSMENT A senior center can serve as a point of coordination for the city’s various senior services Residents only need to think of the center when they need help – whether they want to come in or call on the phone The Adult Recreation C enter is already receiving a high volume of calls for senior services – underscoring a present need Barriers to Accessing Services
Gathering place for daily socialization activities Structured programs like bridge tournaments, mah -jong, etc. Meeting place (and pick -up point) for group excursions – to the beach, to the museum, etc. Entertainment events such as movie nights and themed dinners Social Worker on hand to help facilitate and coordinate supportive services SENIOR NEEDS ASSESSMENT Coordination is critical to allow seniors to access all that Los Gatos has to offer Continuing Education Programs for seniors and caregivers Cooking Classes Arts & Crafts Sessions Technology Classes focused on computers, tablets and smartphones Senior Exercise Programs including yoga and pilates Semi -Private events for senior groups, birthday celebrations, anniversaries
Affordable Housing Transportation Programs In -Home Care Adult Day Care Full Service Senior Center Socialization Opportunities Home Safety/Aging in Place Community Engagement Case Management Our lack of a senior center was noted as the community’s greatest need SENIOR NEEDS ASSESSMENT A Senior Center would act as a central mechanism to address other needs, such as in -home care, transportation and case management The center can also serve as a hub for socialization activities, classes, events and other community needs In short, a senior center is the best investment Los Gatos can make to ensure the long -term wellness of our seniors Top Needs Identified (Score Above 3 Priority)
Planning for an Aging Population SENIOR NEEDS ASSESSMENT
It’s time for Los Gatos to join similar -sized cities in the South Bay/Peninsula in offering this resource SENIOR NEEDS ASSESSMENT Avenidas Senior Center, Palo Alto Mountain View Senior Center Cupertino Senior Center Menlo Park Senior Center
CONCLUSION The Commission would appreciate guidance on appropriate next steps associated with the following four findings: Promoting awareness of the existing services through various channels including community events for seniors, the Town website, advertising, direct outreach and other creative marketing opportunities Rebranding the Adult Recreation Center to include a senior center and hiring a senior case manager Exploring creating a nonprofit village through a public/private partnership serving Los Gatos with dedicated membership dues Evaluating a site selection process and determining the budget for a full service senior center 1 2 3 4