1999 Comprehensive Community Assessment
ELDERLY & DISABLED SUBCOMMITTEE MEETING
Wednesday, October 27, 1999
SUMMARY OF GROUP DECISIONS
Issue to be studied: “Needs of elderly and disabled persons who want to remain independent”
Definition of terms:
Ø “Elderly” is defined as people over age 60 experiencing a need for assistance with daily living functions.
Ø “Disabled” is defined as any physical or mental impairment which limits daily living functions and puts the person at risk of placement in an institutional setting.
Ø “Independent” is defined as living in the least restrictive environment, where freedom is maximized, and where the individual (or their family) choose to live. In most cases, this means the elderly or disabled person’s home, or the home of a related family member.
Contributing Causes:
Ø Mobile society – children moving away from parents, leaving few supports
Ø Services for elderly/disabled limited by geography, eligibility criteria, and inadequate funding
Ø People living longer and experiencing more chronic health problems
Ø People making poor life choices (unhealthy lifestyles, poor financial planning)
Ø People having few choices for service due to inadequate income (or disability conditions)
Ø Husband/wives employed – fewer available support systems for elderly
Ø Businesses not supportive of family care options
Ø Government policy shifting care responsibility to communities and non-institutional settings
Ø Lack of natural supports within the community
Ø People don’t know about available services
Community/People
Outcomes:
Ø Neighborhood and community volunteers caring for disabled/elderly (doubling of current efforts)
Ø Services expanded to all who want it
Ø Economic independence for all (including elderly and disabled)
Ø Healthier and wealthier elderly/disabled
Ø Increased social and political acceptance of responsibility for elderly/disabled
Ø Increase the number of elderly/disabled remaining independent (reduce number of licensed nursing home beds)
Ø Elderly/disabled agencies working collaboratively
Focus Groups:
Ø Family Caregivers (mix of elderly and disabled caregivers) – 2 groups
Ø Persons with Disabilities (ages 18 – 59) – 2 groups
Ø Elderly (60+) – Receiving services – 2 groups
Ø Elderly (60+) – Not receiving services (cross section of general public) – 2 groups
Information to be
solicited from participants:
[not addressed specifically at meeting, but would include]:
Ø [caregivers] What are the challenges in providing care for family members?
Ø [caregivers] What other type of support is accessed in providing the care?
Ø [caregivers] Reasons for providing the care to family members?
Ø [elderly/disabled] Challenges in living independently (or being self-sufficient)?
Ø [elderly/disabled] Types of support that is (will be) necessary to remain independent?
Ø [elderly/disabled] Hopes and fears about the future?
Participant Selection
Method:
Ø Work with private and public agencies to identify caregivers and elderly/disabled persons who meet the agreed-upon definition;
Ø Work with local research firm to randomly select a cross-section of the general public (not receiving services) for their participation.
Committee Participants:
Jerry Gustofson (Presotech/United Way)
Steve Patrow (SWIRCA)
Kathy Schoetlin (Red Cross)
Barb Miller (St. Mary’s Health)
C. Keith Kruetenstein (Social Security)
Rick Paul (SWI Mental Health)
Sr. Joan Miller (St. Anthony Church)
Connie Ralph (Goodwill)
Bill Tye (Cargill)
James Sallee (Handyman)
Dan Hayden (United Way)
Stephanie Gerbig (St. Mary’s Health)
Margie Schenk (Blind Assoc)
Phillip Field (ElderCare Program)
Sam Simpson (Courier/United Way)
Sue Ann Hartig (Legal Aid)
Donna Carr (Mental Health Assoc)
Lisa Benjamin (VNA)
Sylvia Saunders (EHA)
Polly Bigham (United Way volunteer)
Ruby McGlown (EHA)
David Feder (Temple Adath B’Nai/United Way)
Donna Martin (Career Choices)
Jean Tillery (SWIRCA)
Jim Collins (Catholic Charities)Barb Dykstra (YMCA)
1999 Comprehensive
Community Assessment
Focus Group Target Demographics
Elderly/Disabled: |
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1-2) Family Caregivers |
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Mental |
Physical |
Mental |
Physical |
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Pop.
Est. %[1] |
Est.
%[2] |
Est.
%2 |
Targets |
Targets |
Caring for elderly disabled |
33.8% |
8.0% |
92.0% |
1 |
4 |
Caring for non-elderly disabled |
66.2% |
8.0% |
92.0% |
1 |
8 |
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3-4) Persons with Disabilities: |
Pop.
Est. %2 |
Targets |
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Ages 18-59 (Females) |
50.0% |
7 |
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Ages 18-59 (Males) |
50.0% |
7 |
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5-6) Elderly (Receiving
Services): |
Pop.
Est. %3 |
Targets |
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Ages 60+ (Females) |
58.0% |
8 |
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Ages 60+ (Males) |
42.0% |
6 |
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7-8) Elderly (Not Receiving
Services): |
Pop.
Est. %3 |
Targets |
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Ages 60+ (Females) |
58.0% |
8 |
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Ages 60+ (Males) |
42.0% |
6 |
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