Aging in Place in Newport Toward A Model Senior-Friendly Community In Newport County, Rhode Island Visiting Nurse Services of Newport and Bristol Counties Made possible with generous funding from the In Partnership with

What is Aging in Place? The Centers for Disease Control defines aging in place as: “The ability to live in one’s own home and community safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level.” “The ability to live in one’s own home and community safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level.” Aging in Place in Newport

Project Background VNS mini grant from the RI Department of Health, Rural Health Division to look at Elder Health in Jamestown, Portsmouth, Tiverton, and Little Compton and subsequently to extend the scope of the Aging in Place needs assessment to those communities VNS received a common ground grant from the Newport County Fund of The Rhode Island Foundation to conduct a needs assessment in the city of Newport toward the objective that: Newport will be a model community that supports aging in place with coordinated, cost effective and excellent client centered services for elders and their families. Newport will be a model community that supports aging in place with coordinated, cost effective and excellent client centered services for elders and their families. Aging in Place in Newport

In early 2011, the needs assessment was initiated by Visiting Nurse Services of Newport and Bristol Counties In partnership with The Edward King House Child & Family Housing Authority of the City of Newport Newport Partnership for Families, and Newport County Chamber of Commerce With technical assistance from John Mattson Consulting Aging in Place in Newport

Census Data for Newport and Newport County 2000 and 2010 Comparison of Elder Population City of NewportNewport County Category % Change % Change Total Population26,47524, %85,43382, % Age Cohorts ,2761, %4,7806, % , %3,4445, % ,180 3, %8,224 12, % ,6461, %6,2287, % ,2611, %4,4144, % 85 and older %1,6392, % The Need: Newport County Population Changes

Newport County Aging in Place Satisfaction Survey (NCAPSS) A comprehensive review of the literature related to "aging in place" and "elder friendly community development” was conducted A comprehensive review of the literature related to "aging in place" and "elder friendly community development” was conducted The NCAPSS is an instrument comprised of 14 demographic questions and 30 5-point Likert-style "Level of Satisfaction" questions. The NCAPSS is an instrument comprised of 14 demographic questions and 30 5-point Likert-style "Level of Satisfaction" questions. The 30 questions are aligned with the Indicators of an Effective Elder Friendly Community developed by the Center of Home Care Policy (Visiting Nurse Services of New York, The AdvantAge Initiative. 2003) The 30 questions are aligned with the Indicators of an Effective Elder Friendly Community developed by the Center of Home Care Policy (Visiting Nurse Services of New York, The AdvantAge Initiative. 2003) Aging in Place in Newport

Target population: Total number of surveys distributed: 3,500; 534 completed surveys were returned. Target population: Total number of surveys distributed: 3,500; 534 completed surveys were returned. Respondents were mailed the survey instrument in August 2011 with a cover letter and self-addressed stamped letter to each address via a local mailing house. Respondents were mailed the survey instrument in August 2011 with a cover letter and self-addressed stamped letter to each address via a local mailing house. The data was compiled in an Excel spreadsheet and transferred in to a customized database for analysis using SAS 9.2. Chi- square tests were run to determine "goodness of fit." at a significance level of 5%, p-scores for each question were obtained. The data was compiled in an Excel spreadsheet and transferred in to a customized database for analysis using SAS 9.2. Chi- square tests were run to determine "goodness of fit." at a significance level of 5%, p-scores for each question were obtained. Aging in Place in Newport

Key Informant Interviews 15 key informant interviews took place from July to September with service staff from partner organizations, other service providers and local community leaders. 15 key informant interviews took place from July to September with service staff from partner organizations, other service providers and local community leaders. Series of interview questions and a protocol aligned with the four indicator categories and 30 questions presented in the NCAPSS. Series of interview questions and a protocol aligned with the four indicator categories and 30 questions presented in the NCAPSS. Primary goal: to obtain qualitative description of perceptions or experiences with those who had closely worked with or experienced elder care, rather than measuring aspects of the elder care experience. A summation of the findings is available. Primary goal: to obtain qualitative description of perceptions or experiences with those who had closely worked with or experienced elder care, rather than measuring aspects of the elder care experience. A summation of the findings is available. Aging in Place in Newport

Focus Groups Two focus groups were conducted with seniors living in different residential facilities. Two focus groups were conducted with seniors living in different residential facilities. First group: 6 participants (4 female, 2 male) living in public housing. First group: 6 participants (4 female, 2 male) living in public housing. Second group: 12 residents (10 female, 2 male) at an Assisted Living facility. Second group: 12 residents (10 female, 2 male) at an Assisted Living facility. Questions asked and protocol were similar to those developed to guide the key informant interview process. Summary transcripts of key results of the focus groups are available. Questions asked and protocol were similar to those developed to guide the key informant interview process. Summary transcripts of key results of the focus groups are available. Aging in Place in Newport

Data Quantitative Data Quantitative Data Question “Clusters” indicative of an elder-friendly community:  Basic Needs Being Met  Optimizing Physical and Mental Health and Well-Being  Maximizing Independence for the Frail and Disabled  Promotes Social and Civic Engagement Qualitative Data Transcripts of responses from 15 key informants and 18 focus groups participants reviewed and categorized. Transcripts of responses from 15 key informants and 18 focus groups participants reviewed and categorized.  Over 200 participants provided 400+ comments on surveys. Aging in Place in Newport

Three Themes Emerged Affordability Affiliation Accessibility Aging in Place

City or Town of Residence Aging in Place in Newport

A recent study by the Women’s Fund of Rhode Island concluded that: “Aging is a Women’s Issue” Aging in Place in Newport

Generational Differences in Responses Aging in Place in Newport

Top 5 Satisfaction Scores Highest to Lowest 1. safety at home 2. safety in the neighborhood 3. connections to friends and family 4. access to medical services 5. opportunities to exercise Aging in Place in Newport

Bottom 5 Satisfaction Scores Lowest to Highest 30. opportunities for part-time employment 29. cost of food 28. cost of transportation 27. affordable housing 26. availability of transportation 25. availability of housing Aging in Place in Newport

Affordability Affiliation Accessibility Aging in Place in Newport Aging in Place

Accessibility “I would be very happy to see future plans for housing built and designed for ‘55 and over’ population in a location suitable for seniors to walk to shops, bank, etc.” “It is impossible to get a ride anywhere with no car… I am isolated.” Aging in Place in Newport

Affordability “When I retired 25 years ago, I thought I would have a comfortable retirement income, but with the increased taxes, health insurance, cost of food, etc. it is becoming difficult to maintain a house.” “I can’t afford nutritious food, and I’m not eligible for help” Aging in Place in Newport

Affiliation “Winter is rough on the elderly. A social service co-op could provide insulation and heating advice, snow-plowing, help with grocery shopping and emergency situations.” “We live in a very safe community and good health has allowed us continued independence.” Aging in Place in Newport

Next Steps “Although this survey will be helpful, it is a beginning. I believe most people wish to live out their lives in their own home, with companionship of someone they love and trust. That is a tall order to fill, but a generous goal for a community to set. I am glad to see this conversation has begun. I am willing to help” “Although this survey will be helpful, it is a beginning. I believe most people wish to live out their lives in their own home, with companionship of someone they love and trust. That is a tall order to fill, but a generous goal for a community to set. I am glad to see this conversation has begun. I am willing to help” Aging in Place in Newport

For further information Or Aging in Place in Newport