11/14/2014

Report: Improvements in transportation, communication needed to serve Cape's older population

Transportation, communication, social opportunities and affordable housing and taxation are the four core issues facing Cape Elizabeth's senior population, according to preliminary findings of the Senior Citizen Advisory Commission.

Brett Seekins, chairman of the ad hoc committee, delivered a preliminary report on the committee's work at the Nov. 6, 2014 meeting of the Town Council.

The seven-member committee, established last January, has been meeting twice a month to work on its charge to advise the Town Council on issues facing Cape Elizabeth residents 60 and older. Twenty-four percent of Cape residents fall into this category, Seekins reported, and 9 percent are 75 and older. "We are officially there," Seekins said, adding that Maine has the oldest average-age in the country.

Preventing isolation of seniors is a primary goal, he said. "If anyone in our community is isolated it just leads to a multitude of other problems", specifically health issues, he said.

Outreach was a hallmark of the commission's activities, with state lawmakers, the Department of Health and Human Services and Office of Aging and Disability Services being apprised of the group's work. Conversely, the commission invited 12 speakers from organizations such as AARP, the Iris Network for the visually impaired, and representatives from local churches to share insights on senior needs and services. Three public input sessions were held, and a written survey was distributed at the Community Services Senior Health Expo in October.

Reaching out to the community did two things: It let people know the committee was serious about senior needs, but it also got them thinking about solutions, Seekins said. "Rather than us coming back to you with 'hey, we need money for this or we need money for that,' somebody out in the community realizes there is a service gap and that can be filled by somebody outside, and we don't have to go back to the town for scarce resources. That was our design," he said.

Still, the report does include budget recommendations to meet some of the needs.

The preliminary recommendations are:

• Allow the Senior Citizens Advisory Commission to finish its task and establish it as a standing committee
• Consider hiring, or seek a volunteer, senior programming/senior issues employee
  
• Distribute a sponsored quarterly household "senior guide" detailing essential services, activities and important phone numbers
  
• Enhance the Town website with a "senior tab" that contains related content, the senior guide and notes from the Senior Citizen Advisory Commission
  
• Establish a prerecorded senior hotline that mimics information contained on the website for those without internet access
  
• Establish a designated senior space within the town to support senior programming or issues
  
• Purchase a 14-passenger van to restore transportation to seniors for functional, daily living and specific events purposes

Seekins said the ad hoc Senior Citizen Advisory Commission will continue to develop a more formal presentation this coming winter, and will work to include elder-abuse prevention in its final recommendations. Town Councilor Jamie Wagner said it would also be helpful for the next report to include cost estimates for the van, and to continue exploring how needs might be met by coordinating with programs already offered by Community Services.

Councilors thanked Seekins and the committee for their work to date. "It's really a wonderful citizen committee that's really put their heart and soul into it," said Councilor Jim Walsh.