141st APHA Annual Meeting

In This section

291224
2012 Idaho statewide survey of adults 50+ to assess current and furture needs for caregiving, assistance, and ability to participate in desired social activities

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Elizabeth Hannah, DVM, MS, MPH , Center for the Study of Aging, Boise State University, Boise, ID
Sarah E. Toevs, PhD , Center for the Study of Aging, Boise State University, Boise, ID
Tami Fife, MHS , Department of Community and Environmental Health, Boise State University, Boise, ID
Statewide aging organizations are tasked with identifying the needs of older individuals and partnering with federal, state, and local entities to provide these needed services. Of particular concern are residents of rural/frontier communities, which often lack resources. Boise State University surveyed Idahoans regarding current and future needs. Researchers utilized the 2008 survey, which we administered to Idahoans ≥50 years. Mail surveys went to a random sample of addresses. In addition, surveys were distributed through congregate meal sites. Overall, 3,000 surveys were mailed and 1,000 surveys were distributed at meal sites, with 814 surveys returned (71% by mail and 29% from meal sites). Demographics differed from 2008, with 2012 respondents being older (average age of 71). The majority of respondents were retired (55%), 32% reported an education of ≤ high school, and 29% reported making <$0,000. For transportation, 83% of respondents indicated they drive themselves; among those with transportation problems, poor health or disability were the major reasons. Among the 20% who reported healthcare difficulties, dental care was the top concern. Long-term care planning, community and family support, and current health quality were assessed. The majority of respondents (74%) do not have long-term care insurance and plan to rely on Medicare. Most respondents participate in activities as often as they would like. Approximately 68% of caregivers were not aware of available community services even though 42% access the internet frequently or somewhat frequently. The highest concerns among this population were healthcare costs, long-term care, and their ability to age in place.

Learning Areas:
Assessment of individual and community needs for health education
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs
Social and behavioral sciences

Learning Objectives:
Explain how the surveyed population was identified and contacted. Describe the areas of current and future needs for older adults in Idaho. Identify opportunities for improvement in resources, particulary in rural areas.

Keywords: Aging, Community Health Assessment

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I helped develop the survey tool, designed the participant selection strategy, collected the surveys, analyzed these data, and wrote the final report.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.