County holds hearing on aging plan
Nathanael Brown, Director of The Taylor County Commission on Aging, held a public meeting to discuss budget for 2022-2024.
The 2019 estimate for Taylor County showed a total population of 20,343 and the 2020 census total population of Taylor County was 19,913. Current estimates indicate that the population of Taylor County, age 60 years or older is 26.4% of the total population. This population is projected to be over 35% of the total by 2040. Individuals age 75 or older currently makeup 8.8% of the population in Taylor County and individuals age 85 or older are 2.5% of the population.
The population and aging statistics for Taylor County, surveys, and interviews with older adults have revealed a number of needs. A huge issue facing Taylor County is how to maintain the level of services that are provided in the face of increased demand and funding sources that are increasingly inconsistent. ADRC of the Northwoods is the first step in the process of accessing publicly funded long-term care.
Accessibility is an issue for older adults along some streets and at many establishments in Taylor County and convincing the community to implement “age friendly” designs and services will be a challenge.
A paper survey was mailed through the Commission on Aging (COA) June newsletter. Following the survey, COA committee members were each asked to interview at least two people who were older adults or would soon be 60 years old. Based on the information gathered, help with home repairs, and alternative transportation options were the top two issues that respondents thought need to be improved. Helping with isolation and loneliness was close behind.
A 70-year-old Medford woman voiced her concern about certain things that have been affecting her day to day life. For instance, she was concerned that there are a lack of activities for seniors, and she had suggested a book club, or even a craft club. Both concerns were taken into consideration and will be discussed at a later time.
Another concern she had was the taxi service throughout Medford. She stated that in the past she has had to wait for service for a number of hours because she was told that the city can’t have more than one taxi out at a time. Brown informed her that the City of Medford will have to handle that issue.
In other business, topics that were discussed were nutrition programs and how to get other healthy options to residents, setting up a Neighbor to Neighbor program that helps seniors with house work and yard work. Caregiver support including giving caregivers a break from taking care of their loved ones.
