COMMUNITY ASSESSMENT

This committee meets monthly to study a particular issue that has been identified as a concern to seniors and their families. Vickie W. Harris, chairs this committee.

Since its initiation in 1985 this committee has been the catalyst for the Living at Home Program which helps older adults remain in their homes with some assistance; The Aging and Disability Resource Connection (formerly Senior Solutions) which is a 24 hours a day, 7 days per week hotline for information and referral (615-255-1010) and a Peer Counseling program for seniors.

If you would like to suggest a topic for the committee to discuss, you may call the Council on Aging office at (615) 353-4235 or email us at info@councilonaging-midtn.org.

TRANSPORTATION STUDY
In 2006, COA's Community Assessment Committee came together to study the transportation needs of seniors in the Nashville area. The committee, under the direction of Caroline Chamberlain, submitted a comprehensive report on its study. Click the icon below to download a PDF copy of this report.

CAREGIVING PROJECT
Caring for aging parents is becoming an important part of many adult children's lives. Whether in the same town or long distance, in the parents' home or in a facility, caregiving can affect seniors, adult children, spouses, siblings, grandchildren and employers. In the United States caregiving is overwhelmingly done by women.

Council on Aging has produced a resource guide called Aging & Caring: Things Families Need to Knowto help caregivers. The book addresses planning ahead, family dynamics, communicating with healthcare professionals, transportation, legal and financial issues, staying at home, nutrition, subsidized services, leaving home, respite and end-of-life issues. Copies of the book may be purchased for $10 through the COA office. (Add $3.00 for postage to have a copy mailed).

PAST PROJECTS
In 2002 and 2003 the Women’s Fund enabled COA to focus on the needs of widows. This resulted in two seminars and a book: Senior Women in Transition, Preparing for and Surviving the Death of a Spouse. Additional copies of the book will soon be available.

Over the past several years the committee has worked on:

Transportation-worked with Metro Transit Authority to get clear, easier bus route information available for seniors. The committee previously had educated seniors and professionals on a taxi voucher program that provided great flexibility in scheduling trips.
Grandparents raising grandchildren- the committee studied this issue and supported a pilot project, funded by the state legislature, to assist with legal, financial and other concerns.
Home repairs-studied the barriers to providing home repairs to low-income seniors. Educated social workers about a new repair partnership between Metro Action Commission and ReConstruct (formerly Mprint).
Respite care-developed and obtained funding for a volunteer interfaith respite program to provide a few hours of relief for full-time caregivers. Senior Citizens, Inc. now operates this program.
Prescription drug assistance-after a yearlong study developed a single brochure outlining programs that can help seniors pay for prescription drugs. Over 8,000 copies have been distributed. To obtain a copy, call the COA office at (615) 353-4235.
Energy Assistance-this past year the committee focused on help with utility bills for low-income seniors. A fact sheet on program details is now being distributed.


Updated June 26, 2007