1. 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
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.