SLCNA Report February 2020 - Report - Page 27
Identified Need: Affordable Housing/Goods & Services
Though both groups agreed, the key stakeholder focus groups, more so than the consumer focus groups,
identified affordable housing as an immediate need. Specifically, low income housing, middle market, and
rental options for seniors who are not eligible for subsidized housing, were mentioned. Separately, the
key stakeholders also identified the immediate and overwhelming need for more Supplemental Security
Income (SSI) certified “beds” within personal care homes in this region. The individual group breakdown
for the consumer groups was shown to provide some contrast in which Group A from Mechanicsburg
felt more strongly about not having enough options in Cumberland County. As an organization, Messiah
Lifeways’ experience confirms this discovery. Messiah Lifeways Coaching regularly fields inquiries looking
for low income and affordable housing plus market rate moderately priced rental options for seniors.
Another need identified was the affordability and funding for a variety of health care services and goods.
Many felt that government healthcare funding for older adults was secondary, along with those that
need mental health treatment. Housing was also discussed as an influencer in the health of an individual
and access to other needs such as food and public transportation. Affordability of prescription drugs
with the lower income populations was included. Many do not take advantage of PACEnet, and there are
no commercials to promote it and little public awareness of the program. A suggestion was offered to
provide more access to nutritious food and encourage merchants to provide fresh foods to low income
areas. Funds need to be (re)allocated to the appropriate setting – i.e. advocating for Medicaid coverage
in Assisted Living including:
• Provide free or low cost dental
• Lower cost hearing aids and doctors that offer services
• Control the cost of nursing homes/long-term care
• Offer lower cost vaccinations
Identified Need: Consumer & Family Education
A surprisingly small amount (~21%) of the combined consumer groups “agreed or strongly agreed” they
had difficulty identifying, determining eligibility, and accessing local services and benefits. In contrast,
the stakeholder groups regularly cited the need for better outreach, education, and communication to
empower consumers. It’s also possible the 79% who neither agreed nor disagreed, disagreed, or strongly
disagreed, haven’t yet experienced these difficulties, but will as they age and possibly need more care
and services. We believe a lack of awareness (not knowing, what you don’t know) may also play a factor
in these responses.
The stakeholder groups expressed that a general lack of knowledge and education about what support
services are available, as well as funding and eligibility, truly is a challenge for many local seniors. The
stakeholders also added that despite having the knowledge, accessing or signing up was sometimes
considered complicated, due to the technology gap or the application process being too complicated.
Language barriers were also mentioned as an additional complication.
The technology gap was identified as a barrier to education, comprehension, and subsequently an
inability to access online tools, reference material, and patient portals. Some responded they’ve had
issues registering and getting appointments online. Also mentioned, “Getting through to the doctor’s
office to get an appointment,” and “going through all of the voice menus is sometimes difficult,” due to
hearing and potentially technology comprehension.
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