Conducting Needs Assessments | October 3, 2012 Needs Assessment for the Topsfield Council on Aging Jan E. Mutchler, PhD Center for Social & Demographic Research on Aging Gerontology Institute John W. McCormack School of Policy & Global Studies University of Massachusetts Boston February 22, 2016

Outline of Today’s Presentation: ▸Scope of the Topsfield needs assessment study ▸Methods of investigation ▸Demographic and background information ▸Key recommendations

Scope of the Topsfield needs assessment study ▸To generate and organize information on the older population of Topsfield ▸To describe the needs of senior residents ▸To describe the capacity of the Topsfield COA to meet the needs of senior residents

Methods ▸Demographic data ▸Two focus groups ▸Five key informant interviews ▸Comparison with six other communities ▸Boxford, Georgetown, Hamilton, Manchester, Newbury, Wenham

DEMOGRAPHIC AND BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Plan for substantial growth in the number of seniors age 60+ in Topsfield Sources: US Census; Donahue Institute; Metropolitan Area Planning Council

Seniors are expected to constitute an increased share of Topsfield residents Sources: US Census; Donahue Institute

More than one-third of homeowners in Topsfield are seniors Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2010 Census, Summary File 1, Table H17

Compared to younger residents, more Topsfield seniors live on modest incomes Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, , Table B19037

The Topsfield COA contributes to quality of life Services providedFY 2015 Nutrition services (Meals on Wheels) More than 6,000 meals delivered (↑18% from FY 2014) Outreach services6,000 outreach contacts (↑14% from FY 2014); Senior Center without Walls program OverallAn estimated 1 in 3 senior residents participated in 1 or more programs or services; 15,000 visits, calls, or participation in events (↑7% from FY 2014) Source: Topsfield COA

RECOMMENDATIONS

High priority recommendations ▸Improve the accessibility of Town Hall, where the COA office is located ▸Continue to support existing partnerships between the COA and other Town offices and community organizations ▸Expand knowledge of existing COA programs and services

High priority recommendations (cont.) ▸Establish private office space for the COA ▸Identify dedicated program space for the COA

High priority recommendations (cont.) TownStaff FT/PT Topsfield0/5 Boxford1/3 Georgetown1/5 Hamilton1/1 Manchester1/3 Newbury1/6 Wenham1/5 ▸Consider increasing the Executive Director position to full-time

Next priorities for aligning COA programs with community needs ▸Expand staffing, including administrative support and outreach ▸Develop dedicated drop-in space ▸Strengthen caregiver support programs

Next priorities (continued) ▸Further evaluate needs for expanded transportation services ▸Consider the feasibility of a scheduled congregate dining program

Plan for expanded demands from the community ▸Explore feasibility of significant expansion ▸Usage likely to increase due to aging demographics if nothing else ▸A community center model may receive stronger support than a free-standing senior center

Thank you! Jan E. Mutchler: