HomeMy WebLinkAbout2.a. Serving Senior Population 4ROSEN4OLINT "1 TEXECUTIVE SUMMARY
CITY COUNCIL
City Council Work Session: April 9, 2008
AGENDA ITEM: Serving Senior Population AGENDA SECTION:
Discussion
PREPARED BY: Dan Schultz, Director of Parks and AGENDA NO. 2.A.
Recreation
ATTACHMENTS: Executive Summary from the Aging
Study Completed by Dakota County and APPROVED BY:
Draft Work Plan/Timeline
RECOMMENDED ACTION: None, discussion only
ISSUE
For the past several years, an on going topic of discussion has been enhancing services for senior adults
living in Rosemount. The main two points of focus have been regarding space for seniors to meet and
recreate on a regular basis and for additional help with programming activities.
The Parks and Recreation Department is currently providing limited programming services and clerical
support to the Rosemount Area Seniors Organization, which currently has approximately 215 members.
We also providefree of charge, the use of a number of rooms at the Rosemount Community Center.
Staff would like to discuss with the City Council a process to collect input from local seniors on what and
how we can better meet their needs.
BACKGROUND
History of the Rosemount Area Seniors.
Seniors citizens in Rosemount have met on a regular basis for a number of years. Records indicate that in
the mid- 1970's the seniors from the area met in the lower level of the Ken Rose Mall. In the early 1980's
the City of Rosemount assisted with securing space in the Rosemount Plaza building for the seniors to
meet. For a number of years Community Education from School District #196 provided programming
services for the seniors and the City of Rosemount provided assistance with securing a place for them to
meet.
In 1994, the City made the decision not to renew the lease of the Rosemount Plaza and chose to host the
senior activities in the Rosemount Community Center. The funds that had been used to pay the lease were
used for additional staffing at the community center for set up and general maintenance of the areas used
by the seniors. Community Education continued supporting the seniors by coordinating activities and
programs. They published a seasonal publication that highlighted the activities offered to the seniors from
Rosemount, Apple Valley and Eagan.
In 2000, Community Education changed their time commitment for senior programming and left the
majority of the senior programming to the Rosemount, Apple Valley and Eagan Parks and Recreation
Departments and senior organizations.
Future Growth of Senior Population
While Dakota County is relatively a "young" County with a median age of a little over 35 years, the
dominant trend facing the County is the aging of its population. The 2000 census data reported that 10%
of Rosemount's population was over the age of 55. Dakota County estimates that between the year 2000
and 2030 the County's population of persons over the age of 65 is expected to grow by 225 from about
26,250 seniors in 2000 to 86,000 by the year 2030. They also estimate that by the year 2025, seniors will
out number school aged children for the first time in the County's history. With this in mind, the Dakota
County Board of Commissioners directed county staff in 2006 to conduct an "Aging Initiative" to formally
address the implications of the aging population. The executive summary of the report has been attached
for your review.
SUMMARY
Staff feels it is important to directly connect to the seniors of our community, to better understand their
wants and needs.
Staff is proposing that the City work with a facilitator to conduct listening sessions with large groups of
seniors at the places they most often gather. Staff expects to hold the listening sessions at senior housing
complexes, the Rosemount Community Center, possibly City Hall, etc. This will allow us to get feed back
from many community seniors that we do not usually hear from. By meeting with the residents in an area
where they typically gather, it is anticipated that we will better connect with them now and open up lines
of communication for future partnerships.
Staff has attached a draft work plan for gathering information from the seniors and developing
recommendations on how we proceed in the future with services and facilities.
2
DAKOTA COUNTY AGING INITIATIVE:
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
NAVIGATING THEAGE WAVE
Finance
Services
Work a
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anspo t
APRIL 2007
C O U N T Y
Dakota County Aging Initiative
April 2007
Dakota County Board of Commissioners:
Joseph Harris District 1
Kathleen Gaylord District
Thomas Egan Distr/ct3
Nancy Schouweiler District 4
Michael Turner District 5
Paul Krause District 6
Willis Branning District?
Dakota County Administrator:
Brandt Richardson
Dakota County Office of Planning, Evaluation and Development staff who contributed to this
report include:
Carol Zierman, Heidi Welsch, Daren Nyquist, Jane Vanderpoel, and Matt Jones
With Assistance from the Aging Initiative Core Team Members:
Kurt Chatfield, Dakota County Physical Development, Office of Planning
Russ Cogar, Dakota County Libraries
Kay Dickison, Dakota County Public Health
Kate Houston, Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging (MAAA)
Cheryl Jacobson, Dakota County Community Development Agency
Nan Just, Senior Agenda for Independent Living (SAIL)
Dan Krom, Dakota County Transit Office
Louise Starr, Dakota County Public Health
Beth Wiggins, Dakota Area Resources and Transportation for Seniors (DARTS)
Dakota County Office of Planning, Evaluation, and Development
Dakota County Administration Center
1590 Highway 55 Telephone: (651) 438 -4433
Hastings, Minnesota 55033 -2372 Facsimi /e: (651) 438 -4405
Copies of this report are available by contacting:
Carol Zierman at carol.zierman(a co.dakota.mn.us or
Jane Vanderpoel at iane .vanderpoel(aco.dakota.mn.us
The mission of the Dakota County Office of Planning, Evaluation, and
Development (OPED) is to help our partners achieve County goals by
providing information, analysis, and assistance in setting direction,
framing policy discussions, and measuring progress.
Page 2 of 18
1
Contributors
This report would not have been possible without the help of many individuals who took time to
participate in this project. The individuals below provided support by participating at least one
of these phases of the project: strategy planning, vision session, focus area planning sessions,
resident focus groups, one -on -one interviews, and core review team.
4 Patrida Adams, Dakota County Public Health 4 Kris Jenson, City of Lakeville 4 Barb Reichstadt, Neighbors, Inc.
Kim Armstrong, LAPP Services J Wendy Johnson q Dave Rooney, Dakota County,
4 Frank Allum J Nan Just, Senior Agenda for Community Services
4 Jack Bergerson Independent Living (SAIL) 1 Bob Sahli
Barb Berggren 4 Kurt Kenna, Community 4 Carolyn Sampson
NI Kathy Bodmer, Gty of Apple Valley Development Agency NI Heidi Sandberg, Dakota County
4 Ronnie Brooks, Wilder Foundation 1/ Chris IGmber, Department of Health Social Services;
4 Fran Bumham 4 Marguerite IGrchhoff, Dakota County J Joe Schur, Dakota County
4 Mama Canterbury, UCARE 4 LeRhae Knatterud, Minnesota Community Services Planning
Kurt Chatfield, Dakota County Planning Department of Human Services J Julie Simonsen
Russ Cogar, Dakota County Libraries J Dan Krom, Dakota County Transit 4 Cheryl Jacobson, Dakota County
Mike Corman, Dakota County, Vulnerable 4 Mike Labovitdh, Dakota County, J Robin Selvig, Minnesota Valley
Adults Veteran Services Transit Authority
Jayne Hager Dee, Minnesota Board on Aging J Norma Larson 4 Noel Shughart, MN Department of
and University of Minnesota Extension 4 Tom Lawell, City of Apple Valley Transportation
4 Marilyn Deviley I/ Kay Leadholh 4 Dawn Simonson, Metro Area Agency
Katie Leddy, Dakota Coun ty Public on Aging (MAAA)
Julie Dorshak, Gty of Burnsville 4 Erik Slettedahl, City of Eagan
4 Kay Dickison, Dakota County Public Health Health
4 Jack Ditmore, Dakota County OMB 4 Joanna Lees, United Way NI Louse e Starr, Dakota County Public
Healt
Maggie Dykes, City of Apple Valley Joyce LeMay '4 Paul Strebe, MN Department of
4 Peg Fink 4 Kathy Lothrop Human Services
4 Carol Fish, Dakota County Public Health Marilynn Loving, Dakota County, .4 Joan Stauffer
John Fitch Joanne Services
Joanne Lynch, CAP Agency Marlene Stum, University of
Coleen Fritsch, DARTS Minnesota Extension
4 Judy Fairbrother, DARTS Michael Manner, University of
Pro ,J Glenn Switzer
Minnesota Humagram
Dick Graham Rob McDonough, DARTS '4 Lila Taft, Dakota County Public
4 Janet Grams J Tarras Dee McPhillips Health
1 Barb Greenslit 1 Malinda Mehroff ,f
Micky Gutzmann, Red Cross J Dan Mikel 4 Kathy Tauer
4 Gino Halberg 4 Alice Mikel 4 Diane Tran, atizen's League
'J Patricia Hamling, CAP Agency 4 Joan Torbenson
4 Susan Muelken, City of Apple Valley 4 Norm Torbenson
Tom Hansen, City of Burnsville .4 Kevin Newton, CHS Inc.
Kelly Harder, Steele County Human Ser -1 L a V onne Nicholai J Mark tillers, Dakota County CDA
Pat Harp 4 Amber Nordland, City Vance, Dakota County Public
ty of Burnsville Health
Peter Hellegers, Gty of South Saint Paul 4 John Noyd
J Cole Hiniker, Met Council 4 Dave Waller
Leon Orr 4 Linda Walter, Lakeville Senior Center
4 Bob Hollenbeck 4 Dave Osberg, City of Hastings
.4 Leslie wiggles, Watkins
'4 Mark Hoisser, DARTS, President
Greg Owen, Wilder Research Center .4 Beth Wiggins, DARTS
'4 Kate Houston, Metro Area Agency on Aging .4 Bob Papke
(MAAA), Planning '4 Katie Williams, Citizen League
'4 Eric Pedersen, Pedersen 4 Leni Wilcox, Wilder Foundation
'‘I Tina Isaac, Dakota County Adult Social Ventures, LLC
Services Elderly Services
4 Scott Peters, Dakota County 4 Mary Wood
d Mark Jacobs, Dakota County Workforce Transportation
Investment Board 4 Andrea Zuber, Ramsey County
4 Cindy Peterson, University of Human Services
Minnesota Extension Elaine Zuzek
4 Eric Zweber, City of Rosemount
Page 3 of 18
Executive Summary
Navigating The Age Wave:
The Aging Initiative Across Dakota County
While still a relatively "young" County with a median age of a little over 35 years, the dominant
trend facing Dakota County is the aging of its population.' This also is the dominant trend for
the State of Minnesota and the Nation. Consider:
Between 2000 and 2030, Dakota County's population of persons 65 years of age and
older is expected to grow by more than 225 from about 26,250 seniors in 2000 to
more than 86,000 in 2030. Dakota County seniors outnumber school age children by
2025, for the first ti me in our history.
A sharp increase in retirements will begin in 2008 New entrants into the labor force in
Minnesota (persons 18 to 24 years of age) will plateau at about the same time. In
2005, a relatively low share of Dakota County's populations dependent (01 -14 year olds
and those over 65 years of age) on the working age population (15 to 64 year olds),
about 43 per 100. By 2030, this share will jump, approaching 59 per 100.
Recognizing that these dramatic changes are looming and the importan ce of preparing for these
changes, the Board of Commissioners directed in 2006 that the County cond uct an "Aging
Initiative' to formally address the implications of an aging population. The Aging Initiative was
launched in May 2006 as a broad based, collaborative approach to define strategies for
responding to the anticipated growth in the population of older residents of the County and how
their needs might change the services provided by county government, the state, and by
community-based organizations.
Why do Dakota County and other service providers need to
respond to a growing aging population?
An "age wave" is washing over Dakota County. It will affect many of the operations of the
County. The "age wave" and its results are fueled by:
The near tripling of the numbers of seniors in the County's population over the next 25
years.
1 The median age for the Dakota County in 2005 is 35.2 years. The median age for the State of Minnesota is a little less than
36.7 years. For the United States, it is 36.4 years. Source: 2005 American Community Survey.
2 Surveys show no indication that the current trend that most retirees leave their current jobs soon after they are eligible to do
so will change, but some experts believe many Baby Boomer retirees in the near future will be unable to afford to retire and will
continue to work.
Page 4 of 18
Not only will there be more seniors, but also seniors who will live longer. Minnesotans' life
expectancy has increased substantially in recent years, for a total increase of 6.1 years from
1970 to 2000. It is expected to continue to increase.
Increasing diversity of older residents. In 2000, 7.3% of County residents 65 years of age
or older were of diverse racial background. By 2005, this sh are had grown to 11.9
Concerns over adequate savings for retirement. While in 2005, older Dakota County
residents report median household incomes ($36,080) above all but one other county
(Washington County, $42,391) in the region, national studies suggest caution for the future.
In a 2006 survey, 36% of workers aged 55 years and older in the United States reported
under $10,000 saved for retirement and 50 under $50,000. While Dakota County
residents have high home ownership rates (a potential asset in retirement), only 14% of
residents earned interest from savings, investments, retirement income, or other non -wage
income in 2005, which are proxies for measuring a commitment to retirement savings.
Both more older drivers and older residents require alternatives to personal use of
automobiles. The number of persons over 65 years of age with driver's licenses grew by
nearly 33,600 from 2000 to 2005. An estimated 89% of Dakota County residents who are
older than 65 have driver's licenses. At the same time, the share of the population with
driver's licenses declines after age 65 (and dramatically after age 85), meaning more people
also are dependent on alternatives to driving.
What are the implications of the "age wave
The implications of the "age wave" are profound.
From a perspective of personal finances:
Many people nearing retirement will not be adequately prepared financially.
The long -term financial picture for social programs that support the elderly is clouded,
putting greater emphasis on efforts to keep people safe and healthy in their homes for
longer periods. Major changes to existing entitlement programs or increases in
contribution levels are likely.
To maintain active lives and personal health:
Adequate health and medical services, assistance to continue to live independently, and
transportation to medical services will be important.
3 MN Planning State Demographic Center, Population Notes April 2002. (Gains were as follows: from 1970 to 1980 3.2 years,
from 1980 to 1990 -1.6 years, and from 1990 to 2000 -1.3 years).
4 2006 Retirement Confidence Survey, Employee Benefits Research Institute.
Page 5 of 18
For housing:
The ability to make modifications to existing homes to make them more senior friendly
will be needed to assist people to "age in place."
An adequate supply of affordable apartments in mixed -use neighborhoods, accessible to
transit options, will be important.
The face of communities will change:
New services to meet the changing demands of the baby boom population will need to
be developed at a rapid rate.
Service needs will increase as the senior population increases. As people age and live
longer, they will require more assistance. Long -term care will grow in importance.
Looking at transportation services:
Many seniors will continue to drive. Changes and improvements to road design and
signage will be important for safe driving.
Coordination of existing transportation options will become increasingly important to
provide the range of transportation options needed to support seniors.
With respect to work and engagement within communities, we will need to recognize that:
At the same time as the members of the Baby Boom generation retire, the new entrants to
the labor force (18 to 24 year olds) will plateau. The number of older residents who will
need to be supported by the work of those still in the labor force will rise.
Many seniors may remain in the workforce, but in less traditional work arrangements.
There is likely to be a shortage of workers in key professions on which seniors will be
dependent, such as health care and personal care workers.
Special attention will need to be given to supporting informal caregivers, for whom
programs will need to be designed to both work and deal with elder care giving
responsibilities.
A major resource of willing volunteers for many communities will be the growing number
of retirees. Effectively designing programs to take advantage of this resource will be
important.
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t
How do we meet the challenge?
The countywide Aging Initiative begins with a vision for the future for older residents of Dakota
County. Thirty-four participants representing a wide range of organizations gathered to create
a vision of the ideal community for seniors. Four focus groups made up of residents from
throughout Dakota County shaped the vision.
Vision of Dakota County Aging Initiative
Dakota County is a network of accessible communities that provide opportunities
for seniors to have active and vital lifestyles.
Where:
Small, intimate, walk-able neighborhoods of mixed -use or life -cycle housing and shared
green space are availab /e.
Residents are able make more trips (without needing vehicles) to get necessities such as
food, clothing, medicines, and health care.
Technology helps take care of people, provides them with on-going educational
opportunities, and connects them to each other.
Recreation and cultural activities are available, with on- demand transit available to get them
to these and other activities.
Part -time (perhaps on -line) work for seniors is common and volunteerism is an active part
of care -giving.
The County, municipalities, state and federal government entities, non-profit service
providers, businesses, community -based organizations, and others collaborate to plan for
and address the needs of older residents.
Quality, responsive services are available to seniors who need support for activities of daily
l/v/ng.
5 This bullet was not part of the original visioning session, but was added later by report authors who believed it was important to
include and fit the spirit of the existing vision statement.
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Six Primary Strategies
The countywide Aging Initiative identifies six primary strategies and more than 50 specific
recommendations in six functional areas to achieve the long -run vision of Dakota County as a
network of accessible communities that provide opportunities for seniors to have
active and vital lifestyles. Later, the recommendations within the strategies will be divided
into potential "waves" of implementation, based on the immediacy of the need to act and the
difficulty anticipated in implementing the recommendation. A summary of the
recommendations within the six functional areas is at the end of the Executive Summary in
Figures i, ii, and iii.
Many of these recommendations are new, but many are already being done to some degree by
service providers such as county government or community-based non profit organi zations.
These recommendations should not be interpreted as a workplan for county government alone,
but should be viewed as a comprehensive statement of county-wide needs across many
communities that will depend on many entities over time to complete.
1. Help seniors who wish to do so, to continue to live independently.
The vast majority of older Americans want to age in their homes and communities for as long
as possible. 6 Maintaining this independence is in the public interest, as well. Even where care
is required, the monthly costs of home health aides are lower than the monthly costs of
assisted living and far below nursing home costs. However, maintaining independent living
for seniors carries significant challenges.
Maintaining independent living for seniors frequently requires a difficult commitment and
care from the senior's family or the community surrounding the senior.
The service system is challenged to meet the needs of active daily living of those living
independently. Those living alone typically have the highest number of unmet needs.
Seniors are expected to face an increasing challenge in the ability to maintain
homeownership, as the lack of planning and saving for retirement catches up.
There is a growing challenge to maintain homes in the condition that is required for
seniors to remain in the home in later years of life.
The availability of subsidized and affordable rental housing for seniors is limited and
demand exceeds supply.
Additional attention to the development of communities and programs in a way that will
promote independent living for seniors is necessary.
The desire of seniors to remain independent places demands on the caregivers who support the
seniors in maintaining independent living. The National Center on Caregiving reports that there
6 The "Maturing in America Getting communities on Track for an Aging Population," International City /County Management
Association, National Association of Area Agencies on Aging, the national Association of Counties, and Partners for Livable
Communities. The project surveyed more than 10,000 local govemments.
7 As reported in the Genworth Financial Cost of Care Survey (2006) the relative monthly costs of tong -term care in Minnesota
are $1,887 per month for home health aides, $2,029 for assisted living, and $3,748 for nursing home care.
Page 8 of 18
is considerable research to show that "family members who provide care to individuals with
chronic or disabling conditions are themselves at risk." 8
Recommendation: Strengthen current policies and programs that emphasize personal
independence for independent living for seniors to the greatest extent possible, by:
Improving the availability of the current risk assessment system and focus it on early
identification of the service needs of seniors who are living independently to attempt to
close the gap in unmet needs for active daily living and implement preventive health
care. (Health and Wellness, Recommendation 3a.)
Continuing to support programs that promote more physical activities for older residents
in their communities, such as the current Active Living by Design pilot project. (Health
and Wellness, Recommendation, 5a.)
Supporting research analysis about gaps in the current system and developing an action
plan to address gaps in the mental and emotional well -being of seniors and their care-
givers. (Health and Wellness, Recommendation 4a)
Recommendation: Support projects to assist seniors to remain involved in work or volunteer
opportunities in Dakota County by:
Creating a virtual or physical center (a Civic Engagement Center) with a focus on
persons in retirement transitions as a hub for persons seeking work and /or volunteer
opportunities. This concept might be supported through existing Workforce Centers.
(Work and Community Engagement, Recommendation 16a.)
Developing a Dakota County Vital Aging Network to provide opportunities for residents
to participate in vital aging activities, in coordination with the Vital Aging Network (VAN)
at the University of Minnesota. (Work and Community Engagement, Recommendation
16b.)
Recommendation: Provide housing choices that help seniors live independently. Specifically:
Support an expanded home loan improvement program through the Dakota County
Community Development Agency to help older residents to adapt their existing homes to
meet their needs. Over the next two decades, more than 35,000 homes in Dakota
County will become more than 30 years old. Regardless of quality, most homes over 30
years old require improvements. Special improvements (e.g., railings and ramps) are
required by for seniors. (Housing, Recommendation 6b.)
Allow seniors to volunteer their time and skills to government, schools, or community-
based organizations in return for stipends or other incentives, modeled after programs
implemented by local governments throughout the United States (including Hennepin
County's "Retirees to the Rescue (Work and Community Engag ement, 16d.)
8 The National Center on Caregving is a pubic policy think tank. See www.caregiver.org.
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2. Provide options for a spectrum of housing types so seniors can remain in Dakota
County.
Dakota County, through the Dakota County Community Development Agency (CDA), has been a
leader among local governments across the nation in providing housing designed for older
residents. The CDA has constructed, owns, and manages 20 apartment buildings with 1,135
units affordable to older residents of the County. However, an analysis conducted by Maxfield
Research Inc. for the CDA in 2005 indicates a continuing strong demand for apartments that
are affordable for older residents. Between 2005 and 2020, it is projected that more than 2,500
rental apartment units will be needed in Dakota County (excluding assisted living or memory
care units).
Recommendation: To provide life -cycle housing options that are affordable to older residents
of Dakota County and meet their changing needs, so that they can continue to reside in Dakota
County:
Continue to expand the supply of affordable senior rental housing for active seniors.
Specifically, the Board of Commissioners should support the continued development of
senior housing by the Community Development Agency while private developers of
senior housing should be encouraged to play a stronger role. (Housing,
Recommendation 6a.)
To position Dakota County as a place where seniors can live comfortably, promote
affordable rental housing in mixed -use developments with nearby transit options
(Housing, Recommendation 7a) and promote the creation of mixed -use rental housing
(Housing, Recommendation, 7b). Apartment buildings that combine market rate and
subsidized /affordable units in the sam e buildings should be encouraged. Local land use
plans should encourage transit- oriented development, combining mixed -use
development with transit to meet the mobility needs of seniors.
3. Help residents of Dakota County to make transitions.
The Center for Retirement Research at Boston College reports that 43% of households are at
risk of not being able to maintain their current lifestyle in retirement. 9 Persons in the lower
one -third of incomes are at even greater risk (53% "at risk"). The share of the population "at
risk" has grown markedly in the last 20 years. Similarly, a 2005 study of the State Health
Access Data Assistance Center at the University of Minnesota concluded that nearly one quarter
(24 or 441,000 persons) of Minnesotans born between 1936 and 1965 lack the necessary
resources to privately finance their retirement years. In a 2006 survey, the Employee Benefits
Research Institute concluded that 36% of workers aged 55 years and older in the United States
have saved less than $10,000 for retirement and 50 less than $50,000.
9 "Households at Risk: A Closer Look at the Bottom Third," Center for Reirement Research, Boston College, January 2007.
10 2006 Retirement Confidence Survey, Employee Benefits Research Institute.
Page 10 of 18
These data indicate that people need encouragement and help to plan for their financial future.
Providing such assistance will allow more seniors to have the resources to continue to live in
Dakota County in their retirement years.
Recommendation: To prepare for a successful transition from the full -time labor force, assist
in creating access to financial planning and training.
Develop financial planning and education seminars for Dakota County residents can be a
model for employers across the county. (Finance, Recommendation ib.)
Provide links to on -line financial tools through the Dakota County website and on -line
access to financial planning tools through Dakota County libraries. (Finance,
Recommendation id.)
Working through the Workforce Investment Board, encourage employers to provide
financial planning and training for employees. Working with Chambers of Commerce
may also be an opportunity. (Finance, Recommendations la and lc.)
Recommendation: As life expectancy continues to increase, the demand for long -term care
for older residents will grow. Access to quality long -term care (LTC) options is important to the
livability of communities. To emphasize personal independence for seniors, Dakota County
should:
Enhance long -term care (LTC) consultation support. Dakota County staff and several
community-based organizations currently provide LTC consultations, but growing
demand will require additional funding for such programs, so more consultations can be
completed and so they can be done earlier, before a senior is in crisis. (Health and
Wellness, Recommendation 3b.)
Provide information and support to caregivers. With emerging research indicating that
family members who provide care to individuals with chronic or disabling conditions are
themselves at risk of chronic illness themselves, developing a plan of action to address
the mental health and emotional well -being of caregivers will achieve goals of helping
seniors to continue to live independently.
4. Ensure the mobility that seniors need to thrive, both economically and socially.
The Maturing of America report' of the International City/County Managers Association and the
National Association of Area Agencies on Aging concludes that:
Transportation is one of the three primary challenges for meeting the needs of older
adults; and
Reduced mobility puts older persons at higher risk of poor health, isolation, and
loneliness.
11 National Center for Caregiving, www.caregiver.org.
12 The "Maturing in America Getting communities on Track for an Aging Population," International City /County Management
Association, National Association of Area Agencies on Aging, the national Association of Counties, and Partners for Livable
Communities. The project surveyed more than 10,000 local govemments.
Page 11 of 18
For seniors, transportation has been described as the 'glue' that holds together all the
activities that we call life." 13 After age 65, seniors become less reliant on automobiles (i.e., the
share of the population with driver's licenses begins to decline) and personal safety becomes a
growing concern while driving. In Dakota County, alternatives to use of the automobile are
limited both by the geographic distribution of the population and the lack of coordination across
transit providers.
Recommendation: To provide transportation options to keep older residents mobile and
independent:
Ensure coordination of transportation options to better support seniors and the broader
community by establishing a Transportation Mobility Coordination/
Coordination function in Dakota County. The Metropolitan Council and the state
Department of Transportation are initiating pilot projects to encourage public
transportation (e.g., Metro Transit and Minnesota Valley Transit Authority) and human
service transportation (e.g., DARTS) coordination. Dakota County should actively
pursue such a grant. (Transportation, Recommendation 12a).
Support affordable transportation options for seniors by:
Developing a community initiative to support the recruitment of volunteer
drivers. Expanding the number of volunteer drivers will help to lower
transportation costs and increase driving service areas. Organizations that
recruit and provide volunteer drivers in Dakota County co uld benefit from grants
and equipment donations, and local governments should consider financial
support for organizations to help them obtain drivers. (Transportation
Recommendation 13a.)
Encouraging transit oriented development in multi -modal corridors and
supporting mixed -use development with higher densities that will support transit.
(Transportation, Recommendation 14a. See recommendations and explanation
in 2 above.)
Recommendation: To improve the physical infrastructure of the transportation system
among local governments across Dakota County for safety with an increased number of older
drivers:
Plan and design roadways and streets with consideration for the needs of seniors. In
designing roadways, actively address factors that will make driving and pedestrian
crossings safer for older drivers. Considerations suggested in the literature include
larger -print road signs, grooved lane dividers, dedicated turn lanes, and extended walk
times at pedestrian crosswalks. Transportation engineers should review research
studies and other literature for strategies for protecting older drivers and pedestrians
and incorporate their findings into roadway design, where appropriate.
13 AARP Public Policy Institute Focus Group Report, Transportation and Age Lab.
14 It is important to note that this recommendation does not assume that the Transit Coordination function will be part of Dakota
County govemment. It may be within a provider organization (e.g., DARTS).
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5. Improve services to seniors
The increasing number of seniors, their increasing lifespan, and the their ability to stay active
into later years will contribute to the demand for services in the home, in the community, and in
institutional care. The number of typical caregivers (women between the ages of 45 and 64
years of age) to the elderly is expected to decline between 2010 and 2030 in the Twin Cities
metropolitan region. 15 The Minnesota Transform 2010 project suggests gaps between demand
and supply of home and community-based Tong -term care services and nursing home services
for the State of Minnesota. Technical and infrastructure gaps (e.g., as the result of home
design to meet the needs of older residents) are also expected to produce additional service
needs. The costs of providing services will continue to pose a major challenge.
Informal care networks are critical to maintaining independent living by seniors. An estimated
21% of all households in the United States provide care for an adult family member or friend.
In 2001, 91% of Tong -term care needs in Minnesota were being met through family or informal
networks of care, with only nine percent provided in formal settings. However, informal
networks can break down as the circumstances of caregiving fa milies change or out migration
erodes the ability of communities to provide services and the needs of the elderly eventually
eclipse the capacity of informal caregivers. With every one percent decline in informal care, the
state's Transform 2010 project estimates a $30 million increase in public spending.
Recommendation: Although there is substantial information regarding services for older
residents in need of services, this information ofte n is difficult to navigate without assistance of
program professionals. To increase the ability to access understandable information about
aging and services for older residents:
Sing /e sources of information for residents to get information about needed services should be
estab /fished. The Senior LinkAge Line (an informational hotline created by the Minnesota Board
on Aging and the Minnesota Area Agencies on Aging) and Minnesota He/p.Info (a website and
on -line information source on services) should be promoted and marketed as common service
resource centers. (Services, Recommendation 8a.)
Support the allocation of resources to fill the gaps in the information availab /e through the
Senior LinkAge Line and Minnesota Help.Info. Whi /e these key information sources provide a
good beginning for understanding services, they contain gaps and require some customization
for services specific to Dakota County. These resources, or others, should be tapped to create
a comprehensive, integrated source of information for Dakota County residents. (Services,
Recommendations 8b and 8c.)
Recommendation: As in other areas, efficiencies can be gained through the application of
technology to providing services for older residents. Assistive technologies and at -home
medical monitoring (e.g., QuietCare) are two examples of promising innovations that will allow
people to live independently longer. A key to implementing such services, however, is making
sure that the technology is accessible. To assure the availability of technology to the home,
15 It should be noted that a national study by Met Life found that 40% of caregivers are now men, which may offset
some of the estimate impact of the decline in "typical" caregivers.
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Dakota County should support continued improvements to the County's technology
infrastructure. Specifically:
Internet access to homes in Dakota County needs to be strengthened through fiber optic
cable, Wi -Fi, or other high -speed connections. I -Net, a regional broadband initiative,
already is underway. This initiative should encourage community-wide applications of
new technology that will support the goal of independent living by seniors. (Services,
Recommendation 9a.)
Recommendation: As noted by the Board of Commissioners in other forums, Dakota County
is experiencing substantial growth in foreign -born residents and in the racial and ethnic make-
up of the County. These trends extend to the elderly population of the County. To enhance
provision of services, Dakota County should continue to work to improve the cultural
competency of its service providers, which benefits not just seniors but all clients. To meet the
needs of older immigrants and divers e populations, Dakota County should:
As a component of the County's broader diversity initiatives, create a Minority Elders
Committee. The purpose of this committee wou /d be to develop strategies and activities to
increase outreach to older immigrants and diverse populations and to reduce barriers to
participation in programs and services for o /der residents. (Services, Recommendation .lOa.)
6. Be a voice for seniors, advocating for the needs of older residents.
The Dakota County Board of Commissioners should become a voice for seniors in its advocacy
with the Congress and the Legislature and in forums in which Commissioners participate (e.g.,
the National Association of Counties or the Minnesota Association of Counties). County staff
should be directed to monitor key issues that will affect seniors and advise the Board of
Commissioners on actions that might be taken to address these issues. Specifically:
The Board of Commissioners might:
Advocate for pol/cy changes at the state and federal levels that benefit low -income
workers heading into their retirement years.
Advocate for adequate funding for Medicare and health -care associated programs as
part of the County's annual federal legislative program. Specific needs include advocacy
for policy changes to existing travel reimbursements for medical trips and improving
training and payment for health support staff.
Provide legislative advocacy for service needs of county residents, including the state
role in po /icy changes to existing travel reimbursements for medical trips and improving
the training and payment of health support staff.
Advocacy for work policy reforms
Under the direction of the County Administrator to support the Board of Commissioners, staff
might:
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i' X
Monitor changing needs of retirement financing and develop specific communication
materials and make recommendations to the Board of Commissioners
Monitor policy changes at the state and federal levels that benefit low- income workers
heading into their retirement years and make recommendation to the Board of
Commissioners.
As part of a "Housing Futures Work Group, "conduct a consumer oriented future
housing needs assessment and report findings to the Board of Commissioners.
Engage health plans and policymakers in a discussion of service networks and their
development and make recommendations for any necessary action.
Conclusion
The Aging Initiative charts a direction important to the future of Dakota County. The proportion
of residents over the age of 65 years in Dakota County is projected to grow from 7.4% in 2000
to 17.2% by 2030. The Minnesota State Demographer, Dr. Thomas Gillaspy, summarizes this
change, which is occurring throughout the state and the nation, in this way:
"These things usually creep along at the speed of a
glacier. Not so with aging. In demographic terms, this
is a tsunami, It doesn't get much bigger than this
the future of Dakota County in the next 20 to 30 years
is largely going to depend on what decisions fare made]
over the next couple of years, "16
The report Navigating the Age Wave: the Aging Initiative Across Dakota County provides a
framework for action. It is a strategic plan for navigating the age wave. Its recommendations
are expected to be carried out over time by a mix of govemments at the local, state and
national levels, and by private sector and non profit organizations.
Dakota County must act to shape its future.
16 Dr. Thomas Gillaspy, State Demographer, to the Dakota County Management Team, March 14, 2007.
Page 15 of 18
Figure is Findings by Topic Area
Topic Area 1 Goal 11 Issues 1 Strategies
To improve the ability of
Finance residents to effectively plan for Lack of knowledge about finanical planning 1) Promote and Provide Financial Planning Public Education and Training Across the Lfecyde
their financial futures.
Lack of participation in long -term care insurance la) Employer sponsored education seminars
Low savings rate in U.S lb) Dakota County as a pilot for employer site trainings
lc) Smaller Employers (less than 100 employees) via the Workforce Investment Board (WIB) or
Chamber of Commerce
Lack of adeqaute financial preparation for retirement 1d) Provide Training Via On-line Self Study at Libraries
Over reafiance on pudic entitlement programs for financing f e) Monitor changing needs of retirement financing and develop specific
retirement communication materials
2) Monitor and advocate for policy changes at the state and federal levels that benefit
low -wage workers heading into their retirement years
To improve residents overall
Health and health (physical and emotional) Increasing pressure of the medial system 3) Ensure Program And Pofiches Emphasize Personal Independence For Seniors To The Greatest
Wellness Extend Possible
to protect their independence.
Increasing cost of health care 3a) Develop a System of Early Identification of Needs (Risk Assessment)
Health care costs are rising considerably vesting problems for 3b) Enhance Long -Term Care (LTC) Consultation Support
access to care for some
Healtfily lifestyles reduce need for medical care, and Improved 4) Continue To Monitor And Work Toward Health And Wellness Promotion At A Local Level
physical and emotional health also improves quaky of life
Hearth is important to personal independence and ability to 4 Super The Alive Living By Design Effort
remain in home and community based settings.
As people age they regire more health rare services 4b) 'dO plan of action to address gaps in the mental and emotional well-being of seniors and
their caregivers
Seniors and families are often unaware of services that are 3) Advocate For Access To Affordable, Qualdy Health and Support Services
available for them
Need to mitigate isolation that leads to poor medal and 3a) Advocacy For Adequate Funding Of Medicare And Associated Programs
emotional health
To provide adequate housing for Adequate supply of affordable housing 6) Assess Housing Needs for Seniors and Coordinate Responses to those Needs in order to
Housing the life cyde needs of residents. Create Affordable, Life Cycle Housing
Housing in dose proximity to transportation services 6a) Continue to expand the supply of affordable senior rental housing for active seniors
6b) Support an expanded home loan program
Adeqauate supply of adaptable housing for seniors 6c) Create A Housing Futures Workgroup
Lack of senior specific housing information 7) Position Dakota County As A Place Where Seniors Can Live Comfortably
7a) Promote affordable rental housing in mixed-use, transit oriented developments
7b) Promote mixed-use rental bufidings
7c) Conduct a consumer orientated future housing needs assessment
Page 16 of 18
Figure ii: Findings by, Topic Area
Topic Area. Goat i Issues i Strategies
To provide accessible and quality
services that support seniors and Informal care networks are the backbone of senior
Services caregivers in home and independence 8) Increase Residents Access To Aging Information
community settings.
iodine in number of typical informal caregivers 8a) Provide A Single Source Of Information For Residents To Get Information About Needed
Services.
Impact on caregivers health when providing intensive care 8b) Improve on Existing Resources to Create a Comprehensive, Integrated Source of Information
Demands for services of all types is growing 8c) Ensure Linkage to Local Resources
Strict reimbursement rules hinder what services seniors with 8d) Provide Information and Support to Caregivers
moderate incomes can receive
Po6rymalers are refining programs to help seniors remain in 9) Support Improvements To The County's Tedmological And Physical Infrasbucture.
home and community -based settings for as long as possible
Gaps in Services, both home and community based and 9a) Strengthen Intent Access, Wi-F And Rber Optic Networks Aaoss The County to Improve
Nursing homes tdemeddne and remote check in.
Technical and physical infrastructure gaps 10) Improve Cultural Competency
Increased diversity l0a) Create a Minority Elders Committee
Many information sources but lack of coordination 11) Legislative Advocacy for County Service Needs
11a) Engage Health Plans And Policymakers In A Discussion Of Service Networks And Their
Development.
To provide needed transportation Senior Drivers are Tess mobile and more dependent on
Transportation options to help keep residents alterative transportation 12) Coordination of Transportation Optionsto better Support Seniors and the Broader Community
mobile and independent.
Low density development does not support mass transit 13) Create Affordable Transportation Options for Seniors
lack of coordiantion across transportation providers 13a) Advocate for policy change to existing travel reimbursement gaps.
redcued number of volunteer drivers 13b) Develop a community initiative to support recruitment of volunteer drivers
Need for improved technology for driver safety 14) Encourage Transit-Oriented Development in Multi -Modal Corridors.
Lack of medical reimbursement for some trips 14a) Support higher density development projects
15) Improve Roadway Conditions for Improved Safety of Older Drivers
15a) Plan roadways and streets with consideration of needs of seniors
Page 17 of 18
Figure iii: Findings by Topic Area
Topic rea i Goat i issues Strategies
To provide meaningful
Work and opportunities for seniors to
Community contribute to their communities. Large proportion of population to retire starting in 2011 16) Support Projects to Assist Seniors to Remain Active
Many Baby Boomers plan to work after they retire 16a) Create a Dakota County Civic Engagement Center
Tight labor markets will force many companies to retain older
workers and attract non traditional workers 16b) Dakota County Vital Aging Network (VAN)
The rise in the senior population will create a demand for
health care workers and volunteers 16c) Provide art, recreation and life long teaming opportunities
increase in retirees provide opportunities tor lnaease
volunteerism and creative ways to respond to work force
demands 16d) Provide incentives to senior volunteer property tax relief
16e) Examine workforce issues in Dakota County
17) Provide Advocacy For Work Policy Reforms
17a) Provide advocacy for improving the training and payment of health support staff
Page 18 of 18
Draft Work Plan /Timeline
April 2008 Meeting with County Staff to discuss previous work completed
May 2008 Meeting with other Community Senior Services Coordinators
May 2008 Choose a facilitator to assist with listening sessions
May /June 2008 Create a process to collect input from seniors
June /July 2008 Hold site specific listening sessions
Possible Meeting locations
Bards Crossing
Crosscroft
City Hall
Wachter Lake
Rosemount Community Center
Cameo Place
Field Trip Bus
Rosemount Plaza
Rosemount American Legion
July 2008 Review of participant input and development of recommendations
July /August 2008 Report back to City Council