Category: Needs Assessments

In February, AAA4 began conducting a series of town hall meetings throughout our 7 county region.  The purpose is to hear directly from each community about their needs, gaps in service, what is working, what is not.  This will guide AAA4 in planning for the next 4 years.  The first town hall was held in Marysville and hosted by Supervisor Randy Fletcher from Yuba County.  We have visited Winters and Davis in Yolo County, Truckee and Nevada City in Nevada County, Carmichael in Sacramento County, and Auburn and Roseville in Placer County.

We still want to hear from you!  If you have not completed a survey please take the time to complete one.  There are future town hall meetings coming up.  We are working on dates for Citrus Heights, Downieville, Elk Grove/Galt, Sacramento, South Sacramento, and West Sacramento.

We have already learned so much from these meetings.  Transportation, affordable housing, and food security are needs expressed by the all communities.  Many older adults want to age in place and have no plan if this becomes unrealistic.  The personal stories that have been shared are invaluable.  Please come join us so we can hear your story and your needs!

Every 4 years Area Agencies on Aging are required to develop a plan on what services will be provided to the 60+ population in their respective geographic area.  It is time for AAA4 to develop our 4 year plan.  We began by conducting comprehensive needs assessments in the form of surveys.  We surveyed older adults, caregivers, professionals working in the field of aging and anyone interested in aging issues.  The surveys are ongoing.  I encourage anyone reading this to take a survey if you already haven’t.  In February we will conduct as many as 10 public hearings throughout our region to gain more input.

What is different about how we are developing this 4 year plan?  We are taking a community centered approach and asking each community what they need.  We have formed community centered County Workgroups who are looking at census data and gaps in services to tell us what is needed in their community.  We are excited to see the outcomes of this process.  As we progress I will keep you updated.

Pam Miller,
Executive Director