Consumer Input Initiative Stakeholder Priorities for an Elder Friendly Community
In 2009, Care for Elders implemented a County-wide effort to solicit input from older adults and other key stakeholders about priorities for improving Houston and Harris County's elder-friendliness. Using recommendations first developed by professionals and listed in the Houston/Harris County Aging Agenda, nearly 1,200 individuals told us about what's most important to them.
According to the survey results, ultimately the way to improve the quality of life of elders is to focus on the combination of social and systems issues. The top six overall quality-related priorities are:
Improve existing transportation programs to specifically cater to seniors' needs
Make it easier to access help in paying utility and electric bills
Implement mandatory training for home care and hands on workers who support seniors at home
Encourage employers to recruit older workers
Educate seniors about scams to prevent them from becoming victims
Teach older adults about housing options and how to remain in their current homes
