Elderly Population

VISION #5 –OUR VULNERABLE POPULATIONS WILL RECEIVE SUPPORT TO ENABLE THEM TO LIVE AS INDEPENDENTLY AS POSSIBLE AND CONNECT TO THEIR COMMUNITIES. 

FOCUS GROUP: ELDERLY POPULATION

The Elderly Population Focus Group will take into account statistics such as demographics of the elderly population as well as socio-economic outlook and nursing home and assisted living facilities. 

The members of the Elderly Population Focus Group include:

  • Deb Addo Samuels*
  • Hannah Cramer
  • Carrie Gouff
  • Cathy Hanson
  • Deena Holder
  • John Kenney*
  • Dr. Kuttner-Sands
  • Charlotte Levens
  • Susan MacDonald
  • Ethna Maina
  • Diane Rudisill*

*Denotes IMPACT Council Member

Vision --  Elderly:  Our vulnerable populations will receive support to enable them to live as independently as possible, to be productive and connect to their communities.

Goal # 26 -- Promote healthy living and disease prevention among older adults.  Strategies include:

1.       utilize faith communities and other community resources for education about healthy diet, exercise and weight control;

2.       increase illness screening opportunities for older adults;

3.       develop more telemedicine opportunities through existing healthcare providers.

Goal # 27 --Develop, maintain and expand programs that connect seniors with supports and intergenerational socialization throughout the community.   Strategies include:

  1. complete construction and launch operation of first permanent Senior Center;
  2. develop partnerships to secure funding for operations of new center; 
  3. identify funding and best methods to coordinate volunteer opportunities for older adults.

Goal # 28 -- Enable “Aging in Place” for more older adults. Strategies include:

  1. provide mortgage options information to older adults;
  2. encourage residential housing builders, home improvement contractors, renovators and remodelers to remove barriers and improve livability for persons with physical limitations, often associated with old age, through informational workshops and recognition of such housing;
  3.  encourage residential housing builders, home improvement contractors, renovators and remodelers to use energy saving and alternative energy technology to reduce utility costs for residences through informational workshops and recognition of the producers;
  4. develop inspection criteria for levels of universal design and ”green” livability that would allow the awarding of bronze, silver, gold and platinum seals for new or renovated housing residences by Washington County and/or the City of Hagerstown.

Goal # 29 -- Reduce financial exploitation of seniors.  Strategies include:

1.       inform public about protecting financial assets;

2.       provide information and training to banks about Project Safe and their ability to report suspected exploitation of an older adult/customer to the local Department of Social Services;

3.       inform general public about Maryland’s Law relating to Power of Attorney.

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