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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2.a. Senior Adult Service - Listening SessionsAGENDA ITEM: Senior Adult Services Listening Sessions AGENDA SECTION: Discussion PREPARED BY: Dan Schultz, Parks and Recreation Director AGENDA NO. ATTACHMENTS: Senior Listening Session Report APPROVED BY: DDJ RECOMMENDED ACTION: Discussion only. 4 ROSEMOUNT CITY COUNCIL City Council Work Session Meeting Date: November 12, 2008 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ISSUE For the past several years, an ongoing topic of discussion between staff and the City Council has been enhancing services for senior adults living in Rosemount. The main two points of focus have been regarding space for seniors to meet 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 for the Rosemount Area Seniors organization, which currently has approximately 215 members. We also provide classroom and the banquet room use at the Rosemount Community Center free of charge. At a City Council work session in April of 2008, staff proposed that the City work with a facilitator to conduct listening sessions with large groups of seniors at the places they most often gather. We planned to hold the listening sessions at senior housing complexes and the Rosemount Community Center. The goal was to collect input from community seniors that we do not usually hear from. By meeting with the residents in an area where they typically gather, it was anticipated that we would better connect with them and open up lines of communication for future partnerships. The listening sessions have been conducted and the feedback that we received has been compiled into the report that is included with this executive summary. 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 at 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 subsequently 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 a majority of that responsibility shifted to the Rosemount, Apple Valley and Eagan Parks and Recreation Departments and senior organizations. This was done partially because of budgetary issues facing Community Education and the seniors' request to be more independent organizations. Future Growth of Senior Population While Dakota County is a relatively "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. SUMMARY Staff asks that the City Council review the Listening Sessions Report and consider discussing how to better meet the increasing needs of a growing segment of our population now and in the future. Staff are also in the process of setting up meetings to discuss partnership opportunities with organizations including DARTS, Community Education from District #196, Health East, South of the River Senior Programming Group and Dakota County Libraries. 2 Report on Community Listening Sessions An analysis based on the following question: What should Rosemount be doing to meet the current and future recreation /leisure needs of older adults? Report prepared by Gloria Gritz, Listening Session Facilitator September 4, 2008 Background In mid June, I was asked by Dan Schultz if I would be available to facilitate a series of listening sessions to help the City gather information about the current and future recreational needs of older adults in Rosemount. I was contacted because of my work on City and Parks and Recreation publications, familiarity with Rosemount's current programs, and a background that includes conducting focus groups in preparation for local referenda. On July 14 and July 23, I met with the following staff members to discuss the format and content of the listening sessions and to identify key areas needing community input: Dan Schultz, Director of Parks and Recreation Emmy Foster, Assistant City Administrator Lacelle Cordes, Recreation Supervisor in charge of programming for senior adults Mike Oxborough, Parks and Recreation Intern Our discussion was framed in part by the Dakota County initiative called "Living Longer and Stronger in Dakota County." That initiative came about because of projections that show how rapidly the older adult segment of the population is growing. Although 2000 census data reported that only 10% of Rosemount's population was over age 55, the County estimates that by 2030 the population over age 65 will grow by 225 from 26,250 to 86,000. By 2025, older adults in Dakota County will outnumber school -age children for the first time in our history. The County project is addressing finance, health, housing, services, transportation, and work, including volunteer work. The focus of our listening sessions was recreational activities, an area not specifically included in the Dakota County project, although there was some overlapping in the areas of transportation, health (exercise), and services. Two related factors colored the preliminary discussions. First, we recognized that a few citizens are lobbying for a dedicated Senior Center to replace the two Community Center rooms currently used by the Rosemount Area Seniors (Do Drop Inn) And second, the failure of the recent bond referendum limits immediate options for converting part of the St. Joseph's property for use by older adults. Framing the Discussion We wanted to gather input that would be meaningful in planning recreational activities for older adults right now as well as in the near -term, intermediate -term, and long -term future. We decided to concentrate on four areas: 1. What are older adults in our community doing for recreation right now? 2. What other activities would they be interested in doing? 3. What are the barriers to participation in activities that are currently offered as well as possible future programs? 4. Why don't more older adults.join the existing Rosemount Area Seniors? How might a dedicated Senior Center change things? We also decided to gather basic demographic data from participants, including their age range, current housing situation, preferred way to receive information, and membership in existing organized groups. And we asked for contact information from those interested in serving on a possible task force to look more closely at recreational needs of older adults and the need for a Senior Center facility. Methods Used in This Study Although approved methodology favors randomly selecting participants from the desired demographic group, the Parks and Recreation Department lacked the resources to make the hundreds of phone calls required to ensure a meaningful sample. It was thus decided to partner with local 55+ communities by taking five of the listening sessions directly to their residents. Participants represented economic groups ranging from affluent homeowners to subsidized renters. These are the communities that participated and the number of attendees at each of the sessions: Cross Croft (single family homes) 18 Wachter Lake (condominiums) 12 Bard's Crossing (condominiums) 11 Cameo Place (rental apartments) 10 Rosemount Plaza (rental apartments) 3 In addition, we offered two public sessions at the Community Center. The target audience for these sessions was older adults who live in mixed -age communities, particularly long -time residents who choose to live in the homes where they raised their families. Although these public sessions were advertised in the Parks and Recreation fall brochure, the senior newsletter, press releases and announcements, no one attended the evening session and only two people attended the morning session. In all, 56 residents participated in the listening sessions and filled out a feedback form. A sample of that form is included at the end of this report along with a copy of the working script used by the facilitator. Emmy Foster, Lacelle Cordes and Mike Oxborough attended these sessions as observers and were available to answer questions at the end. Demographic Summary The age range of participants: 55 -65 17% 66 -75 40% 76 -plus 43% The current housing of participants: Mixed -age neighborhood 4% 55+ community owners 73% 55+ community renters 23% Preferred way to receive information (some checked more than one): Postal mail 63% Email 40% Phone call 18% Newspaper 21% Current Recreational Activities (List A) The first part of each listening session focused on activities that participants currently enjoy doing. This format gave each person a chance to share and helped get everyone thinking about an enjoyable subject. Following the discussion, participants wrote their favorite activities on List A. The most popular activity among all age groups was walking. Every group complimented the City on the quality of Rosemount's walking trails. Many residents of Wachter Lake, especially, stated they purchased their condo primarily because of the adjacent walking trails. The only complaint: benches along the trails and in Central Park should be higher as the oldest walkers need to rest, but the benches are too low for weak knees. Other physical activities, in order of popularity, were attending exercise classes, biking, swimming, golfing, bowling, playing tennis, ice skating, and pickleball. Reading was almost as popular as walking in all age groups, followed closely by playing cards. Other activities, in order of popularity, were attending theatrical /musical performances, watching movies, traveling, day trips (especially to casinos), following various sports teams, volunteering, playing games, sewing /quilting /crafts, and eating out. Several participants also enjoyed the "Music in the Park" series but wished the offerings weren't so child- oriented. Some of the active seniors, especially those at Cross Croft, Bards Crossing and Wachter Lake mentioned that they would like to get involved with meaningful volunteer work to help out those in need. In the oldest age groups, watching television and doing various puzzles were often mentioned as favorite activities. Also cited were hobbies like photography and woodworking and interests such as memoir writing and internet research. Desired Recreational Activities (List B) The second part was the "meat and potatoes" of each listening session. Participants were asked to name things they would like to do if the activities were offered and barriers like transportation and cost were not factors. Often, an activity or class would be suggested, and several members of that particular group would be interested. For instance, at Cameo Place one person suggested a class on using a cell phone and half the group was excited enough to put "cell phone class" on List B (such a class was not mentioned at any of the other sessions). Because each group had its own personality, so to speak, we ended up with many different suggestions. Classes Exercise for older adults (like "Sit and Be Fit Water aerobics (if there were a heated pool for those with arthritis /joint issues) Health- related topics and self -help seminars (stress management, retirement planning) Bridge lessons Computer classes Memoir writing Digital photography Legal issues (wills, trusts, advanced directives) How to snowshoe 55 Alive (already offered) Activities Dancing Book Clubs Cards and games Speakers (especially when changes are made to Medicare or Social Security) Sports for older adults: tennis league, volleyball league, hockey, ping pong, curling, cross country skiing Musical events Chess group Computer users group Volunteer activities (one time and ongoing, especially if sedentary) Quilting and craft groups WII sports and computer games Day Trips (with transportation) Casino trips (already offered) Theatrical performances (Plymouth Playhouse, Chanhassen, Ordway, etc.) Sporting events (Twins, Gophers) Boat trip to see the fall colors Local sites of historical interest Special events (especially the fair) Services Foot care Flu shots Tax help (already offered) Communal meals and a place to meet others, visit, and play games Existing Programs Staff felt it was important to also provide information regarding existing programs. The Rosemount Parks Recreation Department and the Rosemount Area Seniors club currently work together to offer a variety of programs and activities. The items included below are a list of general offerings available to local residents. Classes Defensive driving courses Activities Monthly luncheons with speakers Monthly breakfasts lunches out Senior dances Cards (500, Euchre, Bid Euchre, Bridge) Bowling Golf Dominoes Bingo Crafts Day Trips (with transportation) Casino trips Special performances tours Local sites of historical interest Services AARP senior tax services Flu shots Monthly newsletters Barriers to Participation Some of these discussions were poignant and heartfelt as participants explained why they are unable to do things they would enjoy because of disabilities and changing life circumstances. Transportation was an issue for many. In addition to those who no longer drive at all and have no way to get to the Community Center for activities they would like to join, many cited a fear of night or city driving as obstacles to enjoying theatrical performances and sporting events. The lack of public transportation in Rosemount was also discussed. Companionship was another major barrier expressed in every group. Many do not like to "go alone" and have recently lost a spouse or good friend with whom they did things they enjoy. Several did not want to sign up for a group activity because they didn't know anyone there and feared feeling like an outsider. Money was another barrier, especially for residents of the rental communities. "Even $2 is a hardship for me," one participant said. Lack of facilities was a barrier, too, especially for those who wished Rosemount had a heated pool for joint friendly exercising. A dedicated Senior Center was mentioned by a few folks. This was mentioned in conjunction with quilting and various craft activities that would require storage. Rosemount Area Seniors (and the need for a new Senior Center) Less than 25% of the participants (12 out of 56) in our listening sessions belonged to the Rosemount Area Seniors. Some did not know the group existed. Others said everything they wanted to do was offered in their senior community or none of the offerings appealed to them. Some cited lack of transportation as the reason they did not participate, and a few mentioned that they had made special trips to "check out" the Do Drop Inn only to find no one there. In informal discussions after the listening sessions had ended, I also heard from people who said they weren't made to feel welcome when they showed up for cards or some other drop -in activity, and so they simply didn't go back. As part of this discussion, we also looked at other groups. Five of the participants belong to the Apple Valley Senior Center because that group offers so many more activities and trips than are available in Rosemount. Many belong to church groups, and other groups include retired employee groups, book and investment clubs, weight -loss groups, exercise facilities like the YMCA, area golf and bowling leagues, senior tennis at Fort Snelling, and more. A small number of residents who recently moved to Rosemount from other metro -area cities as well as other states expressed dissatisfaction with opportunities for older adults, especially when compared to their former communities. For example, those who relocated here from Iowa and Nebraska missed the daily lunch gatherings at their former Senior Centers and cited the vitality of services like foot care and blood pressure checks provided to older adults at those centers along with the many daily activities. At Cross Croft in Evermoor, all residents belong to the neighborhood association, and a wide variety of activities are offered at the clubhouse. The coordinator there puts out an extensive newsletter and seems particularly responsive to residents' needs (she took as many notes as we did!). Both Wachter Lake and Bard's Crossing, the two condo complexes for older adults, also have active associations that offer some activities, but these two complexes rely more on volunteer leadership than does Cross Croft. More than half the residents who attended the sessions at these three owner- occupied complexes believe Rosemount needs a Senior Center with a coordinator. Residents at the rental units and the two who live in mixed -age neighborhoods desire a staffed Senior Center. Among those who currently belong to the Rosemount Area Seniors and attended the sessions desire a dedicated senior space. They would like a space with windows, comfortable spots for visiting and games, and adequate storage space. Some participants also would like an onsite coordinator and additional programming, both to improve senior activities now and to ensure the success of any future dedicated space. Recommendations 1. Consider increasing staff time allocated to serving the senior group. Programming and publicity could possibly be expanded to help generate awareness of existing programs and the development of new activities. Currently, only members of the Rosemount Area Seniors receive the Senior Newsletter. Perhaps future Parks and Recreation and /or City brochures could include more inform about services for local seniors. 2. Explore opportunities for partnering with other organizations including other public, quasi public, non -profit and private organizations to enhance the facility and program offerings to local seniors. 3. Utilize the Dakota County initiative "Living Longer and Stronger in Dakota County" for resources to continue exploring /studying future needs of older adults, including a dedicated Senior Center. 4. Should the City decide to pursue the matter of a Senior Center further, the following participants in our listening sessions have indicated a willingness to be involved in further discussing the recreational /leisure needs of Rosemount's older adults. Charlotte Shover cshover @lightblast.net 651 -344 -3373 Linda Hanson 651- 423 -0359 Karen and Jack Lightner 651 344 -2240 Dale and Dixie Harvey daledixie(juno.com 13665 Carrach Ave. #366 Rosemount, MN 55068 Joyce A. Traynor jaTraynor@hotmail.com 651 344 -4058 C. Christensen cchristensen65elightblast.net Beth Schori 651 460 -8291 bascho @hotmail com Clarice A. Anderson 423 -6558 Mitzi Hanson 2900 145 St. W #303, Rosemount I. Welcome and Introductions 2. Demographic Data Age Range CI 55-65 UI 66-75 1 76 -plus Current ilousing CI Mind•age Neighborhood CI Own 55+ Community Own ZI Assisted Living Own CI Other 3. Recreation/Leisure Activities LIST A 4. Barriers ...57•751ftWX<OWN1115.100WarPoIPM.D.MaZ PARKS AND RECREATION 4ROSEMOUNT Community Listening Session What should Rosemount be doing to meet the current and future recreation/leisure needs of older adults? U Rent Rent CI Rent Preferred Way to Receive information CI Phone U Email CI Postal Mail U Newspaper U Other LIST 8 6. New Senior Center? CI Yes CI No U Maybe 5. Organized Groups Rosemount Area Seniors CI Yes CI No Neighborhood or Building CI Yes IJ No Other Senior Group CI Yes No Namc Of Group: Locadon of Meetings: Activities Offered. Facilitator's Notes Note: I will be looking at the group the whole time and not reading, so the script will vary slightly. This is just to give you an idea of what will be said and in what order. 1. Welcome and Introductions sample script) Thank you for joining us today. My name is Gloria Gritz, and I'm helping the City gather information about the current and future recreational needs of older adults in Rosemount Some of you may have heard about the .new Dakota County initiative called "Living Longer and Stronger in Dakota County lhat initiative came about because of projections that show how rapidly the older adult segment of the population is growing The 2000 census data reported that 10% of Rosemount's population was over 55. lhe County estimates that by 2030 the population over age 65 will grow by 225%, from 26,250 to 86,000. By 2025, older adults in Dakota cauncy will outnumber school-age children for the first time in our history. Ihe County project is addressing finance, health, housing, services, transportation, and work, including volunteer work. Our focus today is rccrcational activities. Flow do you spend. your leisure rime? Are there things you'd like co be doing that aren't available? Ihat cost too much? That require transportation? These arc some of the things we'll be discussing today. Before we begin, I'd like to explain why I'm here instead of a City Council member or the director of Parks and Recreation or someone else with an oflkial city title. When someone with lots of information comes to a listening session, it often becomes a talking session because that person is answering your questions or ex laining why a decision. was made or is justifying current policy To plan for the future, we need to know what you think, which means the focus has to be on you. That said, if you do have a question, we can get the answer far you. Mike Oxborough, an intern with the City, will be taking notes today. Mike, why don't you go ahead and introduce yourself, and then we'll go :around the room and all introduce ourselves. just say your name and add a sentence or two about yourself if you'd like. Introductions here (including Lacelle and Emmy, if present It is really nice to meet all of you! We just have a couple of ground rules. Pirst, even/one's opinion is important, and wc want to allow everyone to contribute to the discussion. And second, we only have an hour and need co end promptly at so if you have questions not related co our discussion, please ask them at the end ()four hour. Any questions so far? 2. Demographic Data Pass out the agenda/feedback form here and explain briefly why vre need this information. Since we don't know if oar groups will be five people or 50, I don't want these set out before hand. 3. Recreation/leisure activities This h the he-art of our discussion. If the group if too large, bc splitting into smaller groups here. For these first groups. I'm guessing we'll be doing it together. the first part will be current activities: what they arc now doing. Using the flip chart, 1 ask them for input (golf, tennis, exercise classes, cards, casino trips, walks in the park, reading, book dubs, etc.). Once we have a pretty comprehensive list on the flip chart, ask them to write their top five activities on List A. ghat we'll start another chart an what they might be interested in doing or would like to do: exercise classes for older adults, bridge lessons, cultural dents, discussion. groups, book clubs, 55 Alive, etc. Once we have a good list on the flip chart, I'll ask them to list their top five choices on List B. 4. Barriers Using the flip chart, we'll list possible barriers to participation, chcn ask each person to note on the sheet the ones that apply to himlher. 5. Organized Groups l'll use the flip chart to list and then ask them to fill out the for 6. New Senior Center? This may come up earlier in the discussion, bur here is what I'm planning to say: Some people believe the City needs a dedicated Senior Center, something more than the two rooms in the Community Center currently dedicated for this purpose. Others believe most recreational needs of older adults can be better met elsewhere, such as in their particular retirement community. This is one of the reasons we are conducting these listening sessions. Before the City can assess the need for a dedicated Senior Center, much less plan mactly how it will look, we need to know what kinds of activities and what level of programming the community wants and is willing to support and what the need is. 'that is why the focus today has been on your recreational and leisure time activities and interests and needs. 'These are things that will help answer the City's broader questions related to a :Senior Center. At some point, the City may appoint a Task Force or committee to look at options for a new Senior Center. If you would be interested in serving on such a group, please write your name and contact information on the back of your paper. And just as a very preliminary step (notice the question mark on number six let us know your interest in a new Senior Center. Closing `Thank you all again for sharing so freely and contributing to this discussion. Your input will help the City plan for the near future as well as the long-term future and contribute to the quality of life for Rosemount's older adults. We will be happy to stay if you have any additional comments or questions.