A Community Needs Assessment of Older Adults in Kern County: Socio-Economic/Health Indicators and Access to Services Kevin F. McNeill & Roseanna McCleary, California State University, Bakersfield Lito Morillo, Kern County Department of Aging and Adult Services Introduction A “Picture” of the Average Respondent California has the highest number of older adults than other states, with a projection of 11,000,000 (age 65+) by 2050 (Miltiades & Flores, 2008). This investigation reports the findings of a community needs assessment of this growing population in Kern County. Social, economic, and health indicators, current need for services, as well as access were explored. Takes 5.72 Prescriptions (1.92 OTC) Reports health as “Good” Table 3. Outcome for Persons Who Reported Falling in the Past Year (N = 278) Female (67.7%) Does NOT have an Advanced Directive for Health Care, Power of Attorney, or a Will/Trust Outcome Valid Percentage Not Hurt 59.8 Minor Injury 22.2 Serious Injury / Went to Emergency Room 17.6 Prepares their own meals Not a veteran Eats three meals/day Method 75-84 years old Widowed (42.2%) or Married (27.2%) Monthly Income is approximately $1005 (Single), $1599 (Widowed), or $1803 (Married) This study was a collaborative effort among members of the Kern County Senior Collaborative, the Kern County Department of Aging and Adult Services (AAS), and the CSUB Department of Social Work. This was part of the county’s periodic needs assessments that keep programming and services relevant. A subcommittee of the Senior Collaborative developed a questionnaire that was distributed by Collaborative members throughout the county. The questionnaire focused on demographics, social and health indicators, as well as knowledge and access to services. Over 800 questionnaires were returned. Data analyses were done on 656 of these responses. Descriptive statistics were used to provide a picture of this sample. There were a total of 73 variables analyzed. Resides in a house Results Reports “some” memory problems Lives in Greater Bakersfield area Has had “some” college Thirty-nine percent of respondents reported their health to be “poor” of “very poor.” Table 1 shows the chronic health problems reported by respondents, as well as the percentages reported for each condition. Additionally, 32% of respondents reported that they were unable to cover their basic monthly expenses, and the types of things they were forced to cut back on are reported in Table 2. Nearly one-half (42%) of respondents reported falling at least once in the past year, and the outcomes of these incidents is reported in Table 3. Additional results worthy of note include are the findings that 51% of respondents lived alone, 53% reported they were aware of AAS services. Finally, Over 50% of respondents reported the following as an item of concern in the next four years: Being able to continue living in their home, Knowing about helpful programs and services, Long tern care planning, Obtaining transportation for errands and appointments, Paying for medicines and dental care, Finding a reliable person for in-home care, and having enough money to live on. Financial Issues Health Related Issues Table 2. Items Cut Back on by Those Unable to Cover Monthly Expenses (N = 213). Table 1. Health Problems Reported by Respondents (N = 649) Chronic Health Condition Valid Percentage Arthritis 60.2 Hypertension 35.0 Heart Disease 28.2 Diabetes 27.1 Eye Disease 26.2 Osteoporosis 24.0 Asthma 16.0 Stroke 10.6 Cancer 8.0 Other 5.7 Item Valid Percentage Food 69.7 Gasoline 50.3 Credit Cards 36.2 Medicine 30.3 Medical Bills 20.0 Other 15.7 Conclusions This needs assessment is part of an ongoing inquiry designed to assess the needs of the elderly in Kern County. Though speculative at this point, this study does provide a “lens” though which the needs of older adults can be assessed. Additionally, this inquiry has provided an indication regarding which services the elderly are aware of, as well as those which they are currently accessing. References Militiades, H. and Flores, M. (2008). Aging in the San Joaquin Valley: Present Realities and Future Prospects. Fresno, CA: California State University, Fresno.