Senior Needs Assessment

Planning continues for our expanded senior program. Thank you to everyone who has taken a survey, participated in a focus group, or provided meaningful feedback. We appreciate your support. Here’s some background along with an update on our efforts.

Background

FSG’s support of Glencoe’s senior population has historically focused on three areas of services:
1) mental health services including counseling, home visits, crisis intervention, and outside referrals
2) financial assistance to helping long-time residents “age-in-place” by providing financial assistance for housing expenses
3) targeted programs such as exercise classes and discussion groups

During FSG’s centennial year in 2014, a community needs assessment was conducted to examine community strengths and opportunity areas.  The organization collected direct feedback on the emotional health and well-being of residents in order to evaluate programs, determine areas of need and opportunity. Community members shared concerns about seniors. 51% of respondents indicated that care and support for the elderly would improve quality of life in Glencoe. 40% of respondents (and 60% of 65+ respondents) indicated that additional housing opportunities for seniors would improve the quality of life in Glencoe. Survey findings suggested the need for further exploration of how FSG could best serve this important segment of the community.

Please note: Categorizing the needs of seniors can be difficult as there may be a wide span of functioning levels and needs states dependent on a multitude of factors transcending age.

Targeted Senior Study

In recent months, FSG has continued studying the needs of Glencoe’s seniors through a targeted needs assessment. Utilizing a multiphase, mixed-method design, the organization conducted a qualitative assessment through key influencer interviews and focus groups.  A few key findings from the qualitative study indicate that:

            • Glencoe is seen as a good place to live for those 65+, with a perceived high quality of life.
            • Seniors living longer brings with it a unique set of challenges particularly financial.
            • There is a lack of housing options for those 65+ in Glencoe, i.e. wanting or needing to downsize and also wanting to stay in the community.
            • Long-term residents report a feeling of less community and connectedness that they felt years ago, despite a higher population density today.
            • Diversity of the population is seen as significantly diminished.

Social and emotional issues for these residents include grief and loss, hoarding, loneliness, isolation, alcohol and substance abuse, family abandonment, and elder abuse. Physical and cognitive issues include reduced mobility, chronic health conditions, cognitive impairment, vulnerability to influence and scams.

A quantitative study was also completed through an on-line needs survey to adult children of 65+ parents currently in need of support or expected to be in need of support in the next five years.  59 individuals completed the survey.  46 individuals of respondents reported having 65+ parents with daily living concerns; 13 individuals anticipate having a parent with daily living concerns within the next five years.

Key areas of vulnerability include caregiver stress, potential for loneliness, health challenges, and inadequate support systems. Respondents noted the following programs would be helpful: exercise programs, social outings, home visits, referrals and assistance to address issues, counseling support.

Next Steps
We are in the final phase of research–connecting with senior residents to determine program interest and level of participation. Once complete, our program plan and budget can be finalized in order to seek appropriate funding.

For more information, or if you would like to make a financial contribution, please contact FSG Executive Director William Hansen at 847-835-5111 or william@familyserviceofglencoe.org