| The Issues |
 | |  | |  | |  |
Health
In the area of health, several areas of concern were identified. These included access to health care, prescription
drugs, health promotion including physical activity and nutrition, and dementia care. Recommendations focused on
increased efforts to educate the public about existing programs, as well as expanding access to care through new
initiatives. A centerpiece of the committee’s recommendations was the creation of a Senior Health Resource Unit that
could provide information to the public on health care issues, coordinate community screenings, and promote fitness
and nutrition programs. Significant increases in funding for prescription drug assistance programs were also seen as
a critical priority.
Personal Care
In the domain of Personal Care, the issue team recognized the vital role played by family caregivers in providing the
majority of care for our older citizens, but also acknowledged that it has become increasingly difficult for families to
provide all necessary care. Major recommendations included increased funding for in-home care to assist seniors to
remain in family settings, building a new adult day care center to meet anticipated demand for daytime care, and
improving the quality of care in long-term care facilities for those who cannot remain at home.
Safety
The Safety team expressed concern about consumer fraud targeting seniors, safety issues for seniors living alone,
and disaster preparedness. Major recommendations included public education about consumer fraud, outreach
efforts to promote safety and reduce isolation, and development of a system to identify and assist seniors and
disabled citizens during natural disasters.
Housing
Research into housing issues revealed the need for a significant increase in senior rental housing availability,
particularly for lower and middle-income seniors. For those seniors who own their homes, concern focused on helping
them maintain their homes in good repair. Recommendations included working with the private sector to encourage
new construction of senior housing and reducing barriers to the development of high quality, moderately priced
housing. Continuation and expansion of programs that assist with home repair and maintenance was also
emphasized.
Economic Self-Sufficiency
The Economic Self-Sufficiency team examined the reality that a large fraction of our older adult population falls into a
category whose income is too high for public benefit programs tied to the federal poverty level, yet too low to afford
many of the necessities of life such as medical care, adequate housing, and good quality long-term care.
They identified financial assessment and education as important, especially for younger people who may still have
time to plan for their retirement years. Education about insurance options, for both health and long-term care, was
seen as another way to assist older adults to use limited resources effectively. The team also recommended
strengthening programs to assist older adults who want or need to continue working.
| Triangle J Council of Governments |
 | |  | |  | |  |
 | |  | |  | |  |