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RICHMOND HEIGHTS AGING IN PLACE COMMITTEEFindings from Focus Groups, Surveys, and Observation
March 2014
Background
The older adult population is increasing in size locally and globally.
According to the World Health Organization the number of people aged 60 and over as a proportion of the global population will double from 11% in 2006 to 22% by 2050. By 2050, older adults will outnumber children
(aged 0-14 years) in the global population for the first time in human history.
March 2014
Background
Baby Boomers are an introduction to what will be
a permanent shift. – Scott Ball, Urban Planner
Source: Coming of Age in Aging America; http://theagingamericaproject.com/index.php
March 2014
Background: Response to Demographic Change
Cities and regions in response have become vital to supporting this demographic shift through the provision of: Quality built-in environments and services
and Social, cultural, and civic engagement
opportunities that promote healthy and active aging
March 2014
Background: Response to Demographic Change
Organizations like the World Health Organization and AARP have become integral partners with cities in helping them assess the “age friendliness” and “livability” of their communities by offering age friendly guides and resources.
Through these assessments, cities are beginning to better understand how they can best support older adults who wish to remain and age in their communities for as long as possible.
March 2014
Definition of Aging-Friendly Community
• A community which is suitable to live throughout one’s life.
• Systems in community can respond to the needs of different ages.
• Major system includes: • Housing • Transportation/ Mobility• Health• Cultural and Religious involvement• Educational and leisure activity
• Similar Terms: Lifelong Community, Livable Community Sorces:
Andrew E. Scharlach, 2009, Creating Aging Friendly Community, Journal of the American Society on AgingKathryn Lawler and Cathie Berger, 2009, Life long Communities: Re-imagining the Atlanta Region from the Ground Up
Public Health Agency of Canada http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/seniors-aines/afc-caa-eng.php#sec1March 2014
Richmond Heights
March 2014
Richmond Heights Age Demographics
In Richmond Heights, individuals aged 65 and over represent almost 14% of the city’s population. When factoring in all individuals aged 45 and
older that number jumps to almost half of the city’s population.
Given Richmond Heights current population of nearly 8,600 people: Approximately 1,200 people are already what is
generally considered “older adult” and Another 2,400 will rapidly be approaching that
life stage.March 2014
Aging in Place Committee
In 2012, the City created the Aging in Place Steering Committee to: Review issues concerning older adults and
livability within the community Produce recommendations to the City
Council on services within the community that advance and enhance the ability of older adults to age in their homes and the Richmond Heights community for as long as possible.
March 2014
Sources of Information
The Committee considered the following sources of information in their initial recommendations: Feedback and resources from community
organizations (e.g., Mid-East Area Agency on Aging, Jewish Family
& Children’s Services, Lutheran Senior Services, STL Village, faculty from local universities)
Existing city services Observations of key community sites in
Richmond Heights Focus groups and surveys with Richmond
Heights’ residentsMarch 2014
Existing City Services
March 2014
Richmond Heights Older Adult City Services
City Manager’s Office PR Outreach
Fire Home Inspection Home Fire Safety Checks
Police Home Security Checks/Neighborhood Watch Arrive Alive at 55
Library Computer Instruction Social Interaction
Parks & Recreation Senior Shuttle Variety of ProgramsMarch 2014
Observation of Community Sites
March 2014
Background: Observation
Students from the social work program at Washington University conducted an environmental assessment of sites in April 2013
Observed strengths and challenges of key community sites based on age-friendly cities checklist.
March 2014
Sites
March 2014
1) Highland Park
2) City Hall & Public Safety Building
3) A.B. Green Athletic Complex
4) The Heights & Library
5) Richmond Heights Metrolink Station
6) Schnuck’s Shopping Area
7) St. Mary’s Hospital
City Hall & Public Safety Building
March 2014
City Hall & Public Safety Building
Strengths
ADA Accessibility Well Maintained Landscaping and
Greenery
Challenges
Signage Helpfulness of
information Limited drop-off
areas
March 2014
City Hall: Challenge Example
Directional sign is at entrance. Easy to miss, particularly pulling in from busy street.
March 2014
Highland Park
March 2014
Observations of Highland Park
Strengths
Greenery was well maintained
Benches & picnic tables
Drinking fountain
Challenges
Walkway needed maintenance
Next to freeway Block from metro No public
restroom
March 2014
A.B. Green Athletic Complex
March 2014
Observations of A.B. Green Athletic Complex
Strengths
Public restrooms Lots of space
Challenges
No sidewalk (on park side)
No crosswalk No drop off zone Street parking only Community board
not encompassing of older populations
March 2014
The Heights
March 2014
Observations of The Heights
Strengths
Well designed accommodated devices
Drop-off/parking areas
Many activities Adequate public
resources information
Challenges
Broken front door automatic access button
March 2014
Overall Observations
Strengths Newer buildings (e.g., The Heights) Mixed-use community
Challenges Man made barriers within the community
(e.g., roadways/highways) As you go further west, less aging-friendly
Observed aspects that are fixable!
March 2014
Recommendations from Observations
Basic Changes City Hall wayfinding
Intermediate Changes Pedestrian-friendly infrastructure
Develop strategic partnerships to improve access and leverage resources: Hospital Other municipalities
March 2014
Focus Groups & Surveys
March 2014
Background: Focus Groups and Surveys
The Aging in Place Steering Committee, with assistance from Washington University, developed and conducted a series of focus groups and surveys in 2013.
Focused on Housing and Service Needs Developed questions based on World
Health Organization’s age friendly cities guide and similar efforts from other cities.
March 2014
Who We Heard From
50 Residents Focus Groups: 35 Surveys: 15
78% were women Age was evenly distributed
55-59: 14% 60-64: 20% 65-69: 20% 70-74: 22% 75+: 24%
March 2014
Who We Heard From
74% Lived in Richmond Heights for more than 20 years
All four council districts were represented District 1: 16% District 2: 28% District 3: 16% District 4: 26% Not Sure: 14%
March 2014
Intention to Live in Richmond Heights
Responses to I would like to live in Richmond Heights as long as possible
Stro
ngly D
isag
ree
Disag
ree
Undec
ided
Agre
e
Stro
ngly A
gree
0
20
40
60
80
100
0 0 0
22%
78%
March 2014
Awareness & Use of Richmond Heights Services
Service % AWARE
of Service
% USE Service
*
Aquatic Facilities at The Heights 98% 39%
Richmond Heights Newsletter 96% 100%
Fitness Classes at The Heights 96% 29%
Personal Computer Instruction at Library
78% 23%
Senior Shuttle Van 76% 2%
Senior Day Trips 72% 6%
Vacation Home Monitoring 52% 54%
Battery Checks for Smoke Detectors 50% 28%
Silver & Fit Discount Program at The Heights
42% 14%
Prescription Drug Disposal 38% 58%
* Percentage of those aware of service. March 2014
Note: Recommendations from focus group summary. See report for more
detailed themes.
Focus Group Recommendations
March 2014
Housing-Related Recommendations Provide consults on modifications to homes Implement a program similar to the sewer lateral
program that would provide a list of vetted service providers for home repair and maintenance
Consider how to incentivize housing developers to build accessible/universally-designed housing
Develop a communication medium that would connect young residents to older residents who need home and general assistance
Work with the local business community to communicate programs that assist low-income seniors
March 2014
Service-Related Recommendations Utilize the strength of having The Heights Update city website and make it easy to find services, particularly for
older adults Partner with local businesses to encourage “senior dedicated” staff Promote a city-wide system to notify and check on older residents
before and after emergencies Implement pedestrian-friendly intersection improvements at major
thoroughfares Encourage more uniformity in Council Distrct members’
communications Create a senior version or section of the newsletter for older adults Dedicate a city staff member to be responsible for services and
communication to older adults and residents with special needs Partner with neighboring communities on aging-friendly initiatives,
services, events, etc. Host opportunities to share ideas and services with other communities Include an older adult advocate on the city council.March 2014
N=15
Additional Feedback from Survey
March 2014
Amenities and Service Needs
What amenities or services not available in Richmond Heights, or close by, would be helpful for you if they were closer?
Free “Backdoor Pick-Up” for trash and snow shoveling for senior citizens.
A phone tree and phone checks on seniors. Friendly visitors; gets lonely A central resource for seniors that would help with
hiring people for home repairs, yard work, snow removal, etc.
A community center or place for seniors to meet and gather.
Walking paths. Free WIFI. Currently go to library for computer use. Speakers on current events.
March 2014
Top Services and Amenities
Which services would you like to see more available in Richmond Heights?
Assistance with home repairs or seasonal maintenanceShuttle or volunteer driver services
Assistance with yard workGrocery delivery
Prescription deliverySupport for caregivers (e.g., respite care)
Walking/bike pathsEmergency pet care
Opportunities to volunteer in the cityUrgent Care Clinics
Assistance with property taxesClasses on technology use
Classes on nutrition or other healthClasses on personal finance
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
79%57%
50%43%43%
36%29%
21%21%
14%7%7%7%
0%March 2014
Primary Mode of Transportation
Own Car
Driven by Others
Bike
Bus or MetroLink
RH Senior Shuttle
Other Shuttle Service
Other Means
0% 10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
87%
13%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%March 2014
Transportation Preference if Can’t Drive
Bus or MetroLink
RH Shuttle
Rides from Volunteer Drivers
Other Shuttle Service
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
50%
86%
93%
57%
March 2014
Staying in Current Home
How concerned are you about being able to stay in your current home?
Not a
t All
Conce
rned
Not V
ery
Conce
rned
Som
ewha
t Con
cern
ed
Very
Con
cern
ed0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
13% 7%
47%33%
March 2014
Home Modifications
What changes would you like to make to your house to allow you to live there as you get older?
Bathroom modifications
Easier access into or within home
Creating bathroom on 1st floor
Repair of stairs or steps
Creating bedroom on 1st floor
Cosmetic or minor repairs
Laundry on 1st floor
Structural changes or major repairs
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
44%
33%
33%
22%
22%
22%
22%
11%
March 2014
Biggest Concerns About MovingWhat are your concerns about moving out of your current residence if you want or need to?
Emotionally attached to home
Does not want to leave RH
Availability of other housing options
Affordability of other housing
Wants to stay close to family
Doesn't have help to move
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
73%
73%
40%
20%
13%
13%March 2014
Housing Options in Richmond Heights
What housing options would you like to see in Richmond Heights?
Area with mix of single story houses, apartments, condos with easy outside/inside access. Within walking distance of stores/restaurants. Range of pricing.
A small senior community or maybe 10-15 villas with pool and garages and a live-in nurse who services the group.
Additional assisted living options. Nursing home or care facility close by.
I do not trust most housing available to senior citizens. Cannot afford the nice ones.
Affordable taxes for seniors, our taxes are moving seniors out of their homes.Note: Combined duplicative responses from more than
one person.
March 2014
Options for Age-Friendly Richmond Heights
What would make Richmond Heights more aging-friendly for you?
More info on senior resources. Transportation that is senior friendly. Easier, safer walking.
Sidewalks. More flexible schedule for senior shuttle, including evening hours.
Access to and recommendations for reasonably priced caregivers and repairmen. Someone that is trustworthy. Support for tasks, chores, etc. Assistance with yard work. Not just routine mowing. Snow removal contacts.
Housing that is senior friendly. Condos and apartments that are designed for older adults/accessibility.
Grocery delivery. Emergency pet care assistance. “Neighbors I know and trust. I now have all new neighbors that
have not introduced themselves, so I don’t know them at all. That’s sad to me.”
March 2014
Rating of Aging-Friendliness
How would you rate Richmond Heights as a place for people to live as they age?
Poor
Fair
Good
Very
Goo
d
Exce
llent
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
0% 0%
27%
53%
20%
March 2014
Additional Survey Comments Challenge to keep up with my landscaping (both front and back
yards) Hesitant on using shuttle. Not that steady walking by myself. Not
sure if I would use rides from volunteer drivers. Many older adults don’t use computers, so can’t keep in touch
that way. Boredom is a problem. Need some interesting activities for seniors at The Heights (not Bingo!). It would be great for some homebound older adults to have people to run errands for them. Most older people have no idea of the services that are available.
I am not dealing with limited abilities. My interests now are simply community.
Relies on children for their needs. Would like programs-cultural and current events but in daytime
hours. Does not like to drive at night. I do not see myself needing much now, but admit the time is
coming.
March 2014
Additional Survey Comments
I do not see myself needing much now,
but admit the time is coming.
March 2014
Steering Committee Recommendations
See Handout
March 2014
