Springing into Action – The State of Senior Services in Clark County
USS has recently updated its strategic plan to align with local needs and the Ohio Department on Aging’s State Plan on Aging to determine which services and programs to prioritize and invest in. This plan is based on the knowledge of the great emphasis on providing necessary support for people to live at home as long as possible, the great increase in family caregiving, and the fact that adult day services are no longer available in our community as a result of the pandemic.
USS understands the ongoing demand for the services that we currently provide, such as Meals on Wheels, transportation, and in-home care. In an effort to understand what other services our older community members identify as important, USS distributed a community-wide survey last summer. The survey results are helping us determine what our older community needs to age successfully and how we can continue to be a reliable, dependable partner in our aging-friendly community.
The community survey was sent to 25,000 Clark County households of people age 55+ in the summer of 2022. The questions on the survey helped to identify barriers to successful aging that those 55+ encounter, and the potential ways USS can respond.
A total of 2,411 people completed their survey, or 10%, which is statistically a very good response rate. USS was pleased to find that 67% of respondents know and trust USS as their first resource if they need help. The survey results have helped shape USS’s new strategic plan.
As a result of the survey, Clark County residents 55+ identified their top five needs as:
- Trusted resources for in-home maintenance and repairs
- Trusted resource guide to find needed services and supports
- Housekeeping services
- Socialization, recreation, and education
- Adult day services
To summarize, the survey found that older adults want to live safely in their homes, but recognize their limitations when it comes to housekeeping, cooking and home repairs, and their vulnerability to scams. They need trusted resources to help with small and large repairs and maintenance. They said they would value a trusted resource guide to refer to for these limitations and vulnerabilities. And they trust USS and want the organization’s recommendations on who they should allow in their home.
Additionally, survey responders see value in adult day services that include in-home services, such as meals, personal care, and respite so that family caregivers can have time away to complete errands and recharge. Group respite, or adult day care, provides a safe place to socialize while caregivers work, rest, or run errands. Transportation services for medical appointments, essential errands, and adult day services would fill a void many experience on a regular basis.
