Part V: Preference to Older Persons with Greatest Economic or Social Need
1. How will the agency ensure that the needs of “preference” are being met?
PCOA has several approaches for ensuring that the needs of older adults with greatest economic or social need are being met. Older adults requesting help are asked several questions to gauge their level of need and economic status. Programs with specific qualifications for service have formal assessments that are conducted over the phone or in-person depending on the program, service, and level of need. When services are not immediately available, older adults are placed on a waiting list, prioritized according to greatest need.
2. How will the agency incorporate published demographic information into outreach and service delivery?
Published U.S. Census/American Community Survey Data along with data from other reliable sources is compiled and analyzed by PCOA who prepares a profile of the area’s older adult population. This information is used for community presentations, to educate the media, elected officials, and the community at large about the make- up of the area’s population. Published demographic data informs the agency’s activities in scheduling community presentations, participation at health fairs, preparation, and presentation of written materials etc., in those areas of the community with greater numbers of the target population. 3. How will the agency use outreach efforts to identify individuals eligible for assistance under the Older Americans Act, with particular attention to low-income minority individuals, individuals residing in rural areas, individuals who are Native Americans, individuals at risk of institutional placement and individuals with a severe disability within your planning and service area? Contracted services, community presentations, flyers, participation at health fairs, etc., are channeled to those areas of the community with greater numbers of the target population. Information is available in both Spanish and English whenever possible (including social media, agency websites, and printed materials), presented by bi-cultural staff; usually working with community organizations that have a presence in target areas or a mission of service delivery to the target population. Regular communication, cooperation and coordination with target population groups and organizations assist with possible identification of those eligible for assistance. 4. How will the agency ensure that your service provider(s) will satisfy the service needs of low-income minority individuals, individuals residing in rural areas, individuals who are Native Americans, individuals at risk of institutional placement and individuals with a severe disability in the area being served by the service provider?
All service recipients are provided an opportunity to confidentially comment on the services they have received, including the opportunity to rate the service provider and
Region II: PCOA
Area Plan 2024-2027
Page 50 of 113
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