A Senior Assessment Study was prepared for the Edina Human Relations
Commission in January 2003. The purpose of this
study was to identify and suggest ways to help older adults get the
variety of supports they need as they age in their homes and communities.
Access to needed supports can be difficult for the young and able bodied
and is even more difficult for those who have physical or other
limitations. Informal supports, those offered by volunteers and
non-professional caregivers, are central to an overall support system and
must work in tandem with formal services to provide a holistic response to
senior’s needs.
The
study includes the following components:
A demographic description of the
need for support of seniors in Edina
An analysis of the benefits for
keeping seniors in their homes and what is needed in order to facilitate
it effectively
A description of critical gaps in
services and supports for seniors in Edina, including feedback from
seniors interviewed recently and in past focus groups
A review of the existing formal
and informal system of supports for seniors in Edina
Identification of best practices
locally, nationally and internationally being employed to support seniors
as they age in their homes and communities
Suggestions for opportunities to
guide the community in adapting these practices and in developing and
promoting community support networks for older adults
A review of funding opportunities
for potential program development and implementation
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