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
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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.