Aging Futures:

A Livability Plan for BroomeCounty

Updated Fall 2009

About the Partnership

Since 1989 Broome County has benefited from a dedicated Partnership of consumers, educational institutions, public and private and not-for-profit agencies and faith communities dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for seniors in Broome County. Aging Futures demonstrates their commitment to strengthening BroomeCounty’s long term care system by:

  • Engaging seniors, listening to their needs and including them in planning processes
  • Promoting the independence of seniors
  • Building and supporting a responsive long term care system

BroomeCounty was one of 13 communities nationwide to receive a planning grant from The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, as part of their Community Partnership for Older Adults initiative. The grant, awarded in August 2002, supported our local Partnership in coordinating a planning process to meet the needs of vulnerable elders and their caregivers in BroomeCounty.

Aging Futures Partnership goals:

  • Strengthen a long standing and diverse Partnership focused on long term care services and supports
  • Understand local needs, prioritize action steps and act collectively to address them
  • Develop strategies that will bring about change in both practice and policy
  • Secure funding and evaluate our efforts
  • Support and coordinate community education about senior issues

For more information,

or to join the Partnership, contact:

Aging Futures Partnership

C/o BroomeCounty Office for Aging

PO Box 1766

Binghamton, NY 13902

Phone: (607) 778-2411 Fax: (607) 778-2316

E-mail:

Aging Futures:

ALivability Plan for BroomeCounty

Aging Futures successfully links the active engagement of older people with the collective support of the community to create the essentials for:

  • vital aging
  • healthy lifestyles
  • optimal independence
  • and dignified care.

This plan highlights the Aging Futures Partnership’sgoals for improving livability in BroomeCounty. While general timelines are offered, this plan supports incremental progress as resources and opportunities become available.

Since 1989 Aging Futures has been the cornerstone for planning efforts to address the needs of older adults in BroomeCounty. The Partnership has a history of collecting and analyzing data, but most importantly, responding with concrete programs and altering services based on data and outcomes.

The Mission of Aging Futures is to create and strengthen community systems, therefore enabling persons age 60 and over to maintain the highest quality of life.

A Focus on Livability 2006-2008

The Aging FuturesPartnership has demonstrated its commitment to livability initiatives and has devoted significant resources over the last three years to making Broome an elder friendly community. Aging Futures Partners recognize that our structure supports planning and implementation efforts that result in community improvements. While much of our work addresses the needs of frail elders, our members expressed an interest in servingvibrant seniors and makingBroomeCounty elder friendly.

Working with NYS Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo, Aging Futures convened community discussions about elder friendly practices that attracted community members, business leaders, and municipal officials. However, these partiesstatedthat they did not want to focus solely on elder friendly communities, but on making Broome livable for all ages. After three meetings, we developed a list of priorities to move livability efforts forward. The priorities support data collection, educational activities and gives direction for seeking funding for planned initiatives. As a result of community discussions,progress toward livability has occurred.

In framing our livability goals, Aging Futures has adopted the framework of the AdvantAge Initiative’s four elder friendly living components. Each framework contains several goals; we have accepted most of these goals as our own. In total, the Aging Futures’ livability project works within a framework of four components: address basic needs, optimize physical and mental health and well being, promote social and civic engagement, and maximize independence.

Partner organizations are working independently and collaboratively on advancing initiatives. Several workgroups subcommittees and task forces have taken on the next steps outlined in this plan and report progress at Aging Futures Partnership meetings.

What Aging Futures has Accomplished

Aging Futures has learned that when it comes to livability, a one size fits all philosophy does not work. Each neighborhood has its own needs, strengths and interests. As a Partnership, we want to work with individual townships and neighborhoods to make Broome a livable, elder friendly community one street at a time. Specific accomplishments in the 4 basic tenants of livability are listed below.

  1. Address Basic Needs
  2. The City of Binghamton South Side Alive Project is addressing how local parks and streets can be improved for walking and socializing.
  3. Assemblywoman Lupardo, Aging Futures’ partners, and representatives of the Southern Tier Homebuilders Association, provided training to municipal planning and zoning board members on senior friendly housing development.
  4. Aging Futures participated in the 2007, 2008, and 2009 Southern Tier Home Builders and Remodeler’s Home Show to promote awareness of universal design.
  1. Presented “User Friendly Homes Workshop” at the Senior Centers in WhitneyPoint, Broome West, Harpursville and Vestal in 2008

to support aging in place.

  1. Optimize Physical and Mental Well Being
  2. We conducted the Stay Connected – Stay Well campaign,which included a television phone bank and produced an award- winning calendar.

  1. We established eight Social Connections for Senior Women groups that have provided meaningful relationships for more than 75 women.
  2. Offered the Strike Out Stroke self-management program to 130 seniors with hypertension. On average, participants’ systolic blood pressure decreased by 11%.
  1. Promote Social and Civic Engagement
  2. We initiated “My Little Book…A Health Diary” project that facilitated better coordination between patients and doctors.
  3. We developed a caregiver “Share Your Wisdom” program utilizing seasoned, informal caregivers as mentors to newer caregivers.
  4. We hosted three meetings in 2007 to promote awareness and create excitement about livable communities. On June 15 more than 100 persons attended the conference "Making Broome Livable" featuring Phil Stafford, Director at the Center on Aging & Community at IndianaUniversity. Stafford offered remarks on the national livability movement, the economic power of older consumers, mobilizing a community to action, and home place innovations. On July 18, 40 persons gathered at BroomeCommunity College to discuss how Broome could move forward. We brainstormed ideas that werelater categorized into key areas of work including data collection, education, housing and projects. On September 25 the livable partnersmet again at the RobersonScienceCenter and adopted a local definition for Livable Communities along with common principles, and expected outcomes.
  1. Maximizing Independence\ Transportation
  2. We coordinated a year long, public awareness campaign thatpromoted the Office for Aging Senior Resource Line as the number to call for information and assistance.
  3. We convened a Task Force to develop a plan to address the county transportation needs of the elderly.

Understanding the Challenges

Aging Futures faces several barriers to making BroomeCountya livable community and needs to collect data and analyze consumer demand in several areas before taking action.

Barriers

1. Address Basic Needs

a)Many seniors reside in two story “EJ homes” where the sole bathroom and bedrooms are on the second floor. Many declining elders cannot afford the renovations necessary to age in place.

EJ Homes in the Town of Union

b)Many seniors who have declined functionally reside in large homes and can no longer perform needed maintenance and repairs and some lack the resources necessary to hire someone.

c)Many seniors are afraid of falling, but they do not know how to minimize the risk of falls.

d)Seniors often do not know about programs and services and do not seek information until they need assistance. They often do not know where to turn for information when they do need it.

2. Optimize Physical and Mental Well Being

a)The health system does not yet emphasize disease prevention and management. Seniors need access to chronic disease prevention and management programs to prevent acute episodes.

b)Older adults lack access to “personcentered exercise programs.”

  1. Promote Social and Civic Engagement

a)Isolated, homebound seniors lack opportunities to engage in meaningful relationships.

b)Aging Futures must compete with an overwhelming number of voices to communicate our message about the importance of social connections and opportunities for civic engagement.

  1. Maximizes Independence

a)Aging Futures does not know if a fee-based, volunteer transportation system is sustainable.

b)Seniors lack knowledge about how universal design can help them remain independent and some need support in making changes.

Data Collection Needs

1.Address Basic Needs

a)Collect information about waiting time for assisted living facilities

b)Use 2010 Census data to identify strengths and deficiencies of neighborhoods with high densities of seniors

c)Identify housing needs of middle class senior residents

2. Optimize Physical and Mental Well Being

a) Collect localdata on incidence of falls

b)Analyze evidence-based models of chronic disease management and

determine best applications for BroomeCounty

3 Promote Social and Civic Engagement

a) Identify neighborhoods with high concentrations of elderly

b) Collect examples of livability best practices

4.Maximizes Independence

a)Collect demand data for a volunteer-based transportation service

Next StepsToward a Livable Future

Sustaining momentum requires Aging Futures to plan and take action simultaneously. Good planning hinges on data; the collecting of high quality data is one of our primary goals. Aging Futures has learned that small, targeted initiatives have the highest rates of success; therefore, we will implement our livability programsin individual neighborhoods and towns within BroomeCounty.

Livability Components

1)Address Basic Needs

a)Broome Provides Appropriate and Affordable Housing: Many seniors in BroomeCounty reside in EJ homes and other two story structures where the bedrooms and only bathroom are on the second floor. Others live in large houses that are hard to maintain. Seniors need affordable senior housing. Aging Futures is committed to working with developers, government officials and older adults to ensure that BroomeCounty has the housing that its seniors need.

Next Steps:

1.Train additional municipal planners, zoningofficials and elected officials on elder friendly housing by coordinating meetings and distributing educational materials. Meetings will be held in the town of Chenango in 2009 and the town of Conklin in the spring of 2010.

2.Offer education on universal design at the 2010 Southern Tier Home Builders and Remodeler’s Home Show.

3.Design an exhibit to promote awareness of universal design and home safety. Display the exhibit at rural hardware stores and community events. Work with BinghamtonUniversitySchool of Engineering Fall 2010/ Spring 2011

4.Develop educational materials including DVD’s showing universal design features in local homes. Timeframe: secure funding in 2009.

b)Aging Futures Promotes Safety in Homes and Neighborhoods: One of the greatest threats to seniors in their homes is the possibility of falling. Aging Futures is committed to falls prevention and helping seniors assess whether their homes are safe.

Next Steps:

  1. Conduct Balance Clinics at locations throughout the county. Spring and Fall 2009
  2. Develop and distribute home safety literature. On going
  3. Have an occupational or physical therapist conduct 30 home safety assessments within the Town of Chenango. Time frame: As funding is secured.

c)Aging Futures provides useful information about available services: Needs assessments conducted by both Aging Futures and the Office for Aging have consistently shown that seniors want help in learning about available services. Aging Futures is constantly promoting senior services in new and creative venues.
Next Steps:

  1. Discuss livable communities\elder friendly neighborhoods at neighborhood assemblies and at senior gatherings to increase consumer engagement. On going effort
  2. Partner with WSKG to facilitate Community Conversations on issues of caregiving. On going effort
  3. Develop a media strategy that supports educational efforts on services within the NORCS. Educational programswill include neighborhood demonstrations of the NYConnects webpage and feature information about the Elder Service Guide and the Office for Aging webpage. On going effort
  4. Reprint and distribute an updated copy of the Elder Services Guide. 2009
  5. Speak about senior needs to graduate level social work and public administration classes and engage students in projects that support capacity building for various neighborhoods.Fall 2009 and on going
  6. Serve on other coalitions and advocate for the needs of seniors. On going

2) Optimize Physical and Mental Well Being

a)Aging Futures promotes healthy behaviors: Recent research on aging demonstrates that healthy behaviors can prevent or delay the onset of an acute health episode and help to manage chronic conditions. Aging Futures plans to build on its work in chronic disease management by expanding into prevention.

Next Steps:

1. Partners will continue to update & distribute the Stay Fit & Healthy Resource Directory. On going

2.Improve marketing of all Chronic Disease self-management programs. Ongoing.

b)Aging Futures supports community activities that enhance well being: Traditionally, Aging Futures has not run programs directly; rather, we have been successful by securing the resources so those with specialized knowledge can do what they do best. Aging Futures will continue in this role to enhance well being.

Next steps:

  1. Obtain high quality exercise equipment for the Broome West, and Johnson Citysenior centers. 2009-2010
  2. Secure a personal trainer for the Broome West, Johnson City, Eastern Broome, and Northern Broome senior centers.Fall 2009
  3. Coordinate balance clinics. Spring and Fall 2009
  4. Support the Emergency Beacon Flashing Light program. On going
  5. Work with partners to establish facilitated walking programs. On going

c)Aging Futures provides ready access to preventative health services: Aging Futures seeks to prevent mental and physical health incidents and helps seniors manage chronic conditions to prevent an acute episode.

Next Steps:

  1. Advocate and seek funding for the expansion of the SMILE program. On going
  2. Advocate for the coordination and expansion of mental health services. On going
  3. Secure funding for the continuation of the Strike Out Stroke program. On going
  4. Offer chronic disease self-management programs such as Strike Out Stroke and Living Healthy within NORCS and/ or medical facilities. Spring 2010 and on going

3)Promote Social and Civic Engagement

a)Aging Futures fosters meaningful connections with family, neighbors and friends: Aging Futures meetings promote connections and allow partners to publicize events that draw people together. Aging Futures will continue to support social connections.

Next Steps:

  1. Support the continuation and expansion of the Social Connections for Senior Women groups. Find new leadership for program Summer 2009
  2. With support from the Binghamton University School of Social Work, expand the Social Connections for Senior Womenprogram into NORCs and senior high rises. Spring 2010

b)Aging Futures promotes active engagement in community life: Aging Futures has a strong core of volunteer/advocates who have led partnership projects to include the livable community initiative. Aging Futures will continue to provide opportunities for seniors and caregivers to make a difference in our community.

Next Steps:

  1. Recruit newly retired senior volunteers for existing and new projects. On going
  2. Ensure that data collection efforts provide seniors and caregivers with chances to engage in dialogue. On going, complete evaluation with 2010 census data
  3. Continually seek new venues to reach seniors so they may become involved in partner events. On going
  4. Continue to support the Elder Friendly Business Certification program. On going

c)Aging Futures makes aging issues a community-wide priority: Over the last eight years, Aging Futures has sought to involve the entire community by holding open forums, seeking input on program design and process, and presenting itself at a variety of public events. Aging Futures will use its livability options to focus the community’s attention on aging issues.

Next Steps:

  1. Continue to maintain a presence in the South Side Alive initiative. On going
  2. Engage elected officials and educate them on aging issues affecting BroomeCounty. Fall 2009 and on going
  3. Promote universal design at the Southern Tier Home Builders and Remodeler’s Home show so that people of all ages learn the benefit of universal design construction.

4) MaximizeIndependence

a)Aging Futures mobilizes resources to facilitate “living at home”:Aging Futures is dedicated to helping seniors safely age in place. Through our initiatives, we seek to help seniors obtain the resources—services, social connections, chronic disease management tools, etc.—they need to stay independent.

Next Steps:

1.Offer the workshop, “Gadgets to Help Make Life Easier as We Age: Suggestions on Modifications to Living Spaces” at a senior center. 2010

2.Offer downsizing assistance workshops at a senior center and the Home Show. Fall 2008, spring 2009 and on going

3.Promote universal design to members of the Southern Tier Homebuilders and Remodeler’s Association. Spring 2009 and beyond

b)Aging Futures ensures access to availability of transportation: In 2006, the Aging Futures Transportation Workgroup issued recommendations for improving senior transportation access. Aging Futures continues to act on these recommendations.

Next Steps:

1.Develop a plan for assessing the need for a volunteer-based transportation system. Spring 2009

2.Assess the demand for a volunteer-based transportation system. Late 2009 through spring 2010

c)Aging Futures supports family and other caregivers:Informal caregivers are vital for impaired seniors wishing to age in place. Aging Futures recognizes that caregivers need support and seeks innovative practices to assist in the care of their loved ones.

Next Steps:

1.Support the implementation of the Resources for Enhancing Alzheimer’s Caregiver Health (REACH) program. As funding is available

2.Support the implementation of the Powerful Tools for Caregivers program.Fall 2009

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