Centerville, Dayton, Huber Heights and Kettering An Assessment of Information and Service Needs of People 60+ in Four Ohio Communities: Centerville, Dayton, Huber Heights and Kettering

This grant has been made from the DMH-Dayton, Inc This grant has been made from the DMH-Dayton, Inc. Fund of The Dayton  Foundation. 

Presented By: In Partnership With:

Montgomery County: 65+

Montgomery County: Change in 85+

Purpose: What are the unmet needs of people 60+? What services are people using? What resources are communities relying on to meet needs? What additional resources are needed? What are people’s knowledge of and experience with HelpLink 2-1-1 and SilverLink? All with an eye toward “aging in place.”

Study Approach: Review of other community needs assessments for people 60+ Interviews and focus groups with key stakeholders = people age 60 and over, first responders, caregivers, other professionals Purpose was NOT: to evaluate services of any agency, entity, individual or community. To generate statistical data (e.g., frequency)

Findings from other studies1: Improved communication between organizations and constituents needed and across agencies and users. 1 Kettering, Santa Monica, Denver, Virginia Tech. Image from: iblognet.com

Findings from other studies1: Employment, community engagement, social interaction, and lifelong learning opportunities are needed. 1 Kettering, Santa Monica, Denver, Virginia Tech.

Findings from other studies1: Need for multiple transportation to include companion ride programs. 1 Kettering, Santa Monica, Denver, Virginia Tech.

Findings from other studies: Differences in age cohorts (65-74; 75+) needs to be considered. Internet users (blue) by age group in 2013.

Findings from other studies: A coordinated information delivery system is needed with centralized, multi- stop centers with multiple methods of delivery. Image from www.telmaco.it

Findings from the current study 120 people participated Phone interviews: 15 Focus groups: 105 people total 2 focus groups in Centerville 4 focus groups in Dayton 2 focus groups in Huber Heights 2 focus groups in Kettering plus 1 group meeting Average age of responder: 59.1 years (range of 35-92 years)

Major Themes: We need to “correct” our assumptions about 60+ Needed People age 60 and over are NOT a homogenous groups but can differ greatly.

Other Sub-Themes: People don’t necessarily know about services just because they’ve told about them once. Families (adult children or spouses) are often missing or unable to help. Affordability of a service is relative. Technology (e.g., smart phones, computers) is often either not accessible or used.

Real and imagined costs/dangers of asking for help. Fear of loss of independence = fear that asking for help will lead to being removed from home. Help is too expensive E.g., going to the hospital costs money E.g., A more costly problem might be identified. Fear of divulging personal information and being taken advantage of Image from: http://www.momscleanairforce.org/oklahoma-earthquakes-fracking/

Bureaucracy impedes access to services Unintended consequences of bureaucratic rules and procedures. Rules can make it hard for people to help. There is a lot of paperwork – people need help Getting the run around. Image from: http://www.worldpolicy.org/journal/summer2013/snared-bureaucracy

“We’re in the Pre-graveyard I guess.” “I just think they figure, you know, once you become a certain age, we’re just not as important as we used to be when we worked.” “We get the feeling that we just don’t count anymore.”

Transportation Reliable rides Affordable cost Accessibility Safe cross walks Safe places to wait Accessible schedules

Family caregiving Training and support needed Respite care Grandparents caring for grandchildren Image from: https://www.caregiver.org/day-30-family-caregivers-share-their-wisdom

HelpLink 2-1-1 & SilverLink Assumptions about qualifications to access information. Awareness of age cohorts is important to understand what technology is most appropriate.

Action steps Recognize differences in the 60+ group. Educate and re-educate about services. Understand that fear prevents many from asking for help. Improve communication across agencies. Communities need a centralized source of information. There are many issues with transportation. Socializing and interacting with others is key. Caregivers need support. SilverLink should expand its information and referral database.

Questions?