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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 08-20-1996 - X-B r • 1 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Action Agenda Item No ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: August 20, 1996 SUBJECT: Orange County Senior Centers Development Plan: 1996-2000 -------------------------------- ------------------------------- DEPARTMENT Aging PUBLIC HEARING YES NO _x- -------------------------------- ------------------------------- ATTACHMENT(S) : INFORMATION CONTACT Final Report on the Jerry M. Passmore, ext. 2000 Senior Centers Development Plan TELEPHONE NUMBER Hillsborough 732-8181 Chapel Hill 968-4501 Mebane 227-2031 Durham 688-7331 ----------------------------------------------------------------------- PURPOSE: To submit to the Board of County Commissioners the final report on the Senior Centers Development Plan: 1996- 2000 prepared by the Senior Centers Development Plan Committee. BACKGROUND: The Orange County Commissioners approved in May, 1994 the establishment of a county wide Senior Centers Development Plan Committee and a planning process. The Committee' s charge was to prepare a long-range county plan for developing senior citizens centers into the 21st Century. The thirteen member Committee was recruited in the fall of 1994 and began its work in February, 1995 with the review of past reports, current senior center operations and demographic projections. After site visits to all senior centers and community centers, the Committee developed and presented recommendations in an Interim Report to the BOCC on January 16, 1996. On the request of the BOCC, the interim Report was presented to the Town Boards of Hillsborough, Chapel Hill and Carrboro. In addition, nine public hearings were held in March, 1996 for further input/comment before the final plan was prepared for BOCC approval. Page 1 of 2 2 FUTURE SENIOR CENTERS: THE PLAN RECOMMENDATIONS. In light of of the historical developments, future population growth and distribution, coordination of aging services, state standards for centers and cost constraints for the development and operation of senior centers, the Committee recommended a Centralized-Decentralized Model. Specifically, the Senior Centers Development Plan recommends the following: (1) Establish a large multipurpose Senior Center in Hillsborough with a adult day care component. (2) Purchase the existing Chapel Hill multipurpose Senior Center and adjoining space for adult day care and other multipurpose activities. (3) Develop and expand satellite outreach senior programs located in the population areas of Carrboro, Efland- Cheeks Community Center, Cedar Grove-Northern Orange Community Center and Chapel Hill/Northside area at the Southern Orange Senior Center. (4) Support for all Senior Centers and Satellite Outreach Programs must in part be from a Friends organization to promote a sense of community ownership, financial support as well as volunteers. (5) Support for the two multipurpose senior Centers should come from a funding alliance with their respective town (Chapel Hill or Hillsborough) , the County and the Friends of each Center. (6) Management of the two multipurpose senior centers and the coordination of services at the four decentralized satellite senior programs will be the responsibility of the Orange County Department on Aging. (7) The Orange County Advisory Board on Aging will be responsible for reviewing the implementation and any modifications of the adopted Senior Centers Plan on an annual basis and report to the County Commissioners. (8) The Orange County Department on Aging in cooperation with the Advisory Board on Aging would develop a funding plan by December, 1996 for the facility expansion or improvements approved in the Senior Centers Plan. RECOMMENDATION(S) : The County Manager recommends the Board of County Commissioners receive the final report on the Senior Centers Development Plan as information at this time. FN:AB60820B.Doc r Page 2 of 2 3 Orange County Senior Centers Development Plan: 1996 - 2000 FINAL REPORT Prepared for The Orange County Board of Commissioners By The Senior Centers Development Plan Committee Jerry M. Passmore, County Aging Director/Staff Support August 20, 1996 4 ORANGE COUNTY SENIOR CENTERS DEVELOPMENT PLAN: 1996-2000 August, 1996 I. INTRODUCTION Purpose and Structure The establishment of a county wide Senior Centers Development Plan Committee and planning process was approved by the Orange County Board of Commissioners in May, 1994. (Appendix A) It's purpose was to prepare a long-range county plan for developing senior centers to serve all older adults into the 21st century. In the fall of 1994 the thirteen members of the Senior Centers Development Plan Committee were recruited and selected from the Towns of Chapel Hill, Carrboro and Hillsborough, the Orange County Advisory Board on Aging and the seven townships. (Appendix B) Planning Process The Committee began its planning in February, 1995 with the review of current senior center operations, demographic data and past reports. Actual visits to senior centers and community centers took place during the summer before the Committee developed recommendations in the Interim Report to the Board of County Commissioners on January 16, 1996. Because of the importance of the Plan, the Committee deliberately revised the timetable for completing the planning process to May-June, 1996. (Appendix A) Additional planning tasks scheduled were interim report presentations to Town boards (Hillsborough: Feb. 12; Carrboro: Feb. 20; and Chapel Hill: March 25) and public hearings in March. The nine public hearings with 214 attendees and 135 completed Input/Comment Sheets (Appendix C - Public Hearings) highly supported the overall senior centers draft plan and its recommendations. Comments and suggestions from the public hearings are incorporated in this final report. II. STATEMENT OF ISSUES Population Growth and Distribution. According to the 1990 Census there were some 10,959 Orange County residents over sixty years of age from a total population of 93,851. The projected older(60+) population growth is as follows: Year 1995 - 12, 461, Year 2000 - 14,012, Year 2005 - 16,529, Year 2010 -20,510 Page 1 of 16 The county's oldest population (85+) is the fastest growing segment, projected to increase by 87% by the year 2005. (Appendix D) 5 Approximately two-thirds of all county older adults 60+ (6,424) reside in the Chapel Hill township. This number is likely to increase significantly as a result of Money Magazine's recognition of Chapel Hill in 1994 as one of the top retirement communities in the United States. The other one-third of all older adults are distributed throughout the other six townships in central and northern Orange. (Appendix E) Approximately 81% of all county older adults are White and most live in southern Orange. A high concentration of minority elderly (65+) reside in central and northwest Orange County. The largest township, Chapel Hill, has only 16.5% (804) minority elderly. The percentage of minority elderly (65+) in the township from highest to lowest is as follows: Township %/# of Minority Elderly (65+) 1. Cedar Grove 42% (204) 2. Cheeks 26% (144) 3. Hillsborough 25% (287) 4. Chapel Hill 16.5% (804) 5. Bingham 15% (60) 6. Eno 11% (52) 7. .Little River 5% (6) The highest and lowest concentration of elderly (65+) poor and living alone also reside in the central and northern Orange townships. The national average for elderly living alone is approximately 30% and classifed as poor is 19.5%. 1996 Federal DHHS poverty guidelines are $7,740 for single and $10,360 for a couple, and $12,980 for a family of three. The percentage of elderly (65+) poor and live alone by township is as follows: Township %/# of Elderly Poor %/# of Elderly Live Aone 1. Cheeks 45% (256) 47% (264) 2. Cedar Grove 24% (117) 48% (238) 3. Hillsborough 19% (221) 41% (480) 4. Bingham 10% (42) 36% (144) 5. Chapel Hill 9.7% (433) 34% (1,662) 6. Eno 7% (34) 30% (145) 7. Little River 9% (12) 17% (22) Community Focal Point. Many older adults expressed the need for a facility(s) that would be a highly visible focal point for services and activities of many kinds. It should be easily accessible with adequate space and be acceptable to the majority of seniors adults. In addition, Senior Centers Page 2 of 16 f 6 should provide a meeting place to find friendship and support as well as deal effectively with issues, concerns and interests of older adults. Coordination of Services. Public and private agency services for older adults have grown dramatically, but are often planned independently of each other. Because of limited facility space activities, and services are scattered in several community locations. This makes it difficult for older persons to know where to go to meet particular needs. III. GOAL STATEMENT As more and more citizens reach "retirement age" with special needs and characteristics, planning a comprehensive service delivery model should be, and must be of vital concern to Orange County. The planning goal is to establish a senior center network for the delivery of coordinated human services and opportunities to a diverse older population. This will require innovative strategies in securing financial support, appropriate center design and locations. Also, relevant and responsive senior center programming, such as health promotion for the well senior and long term care for the disabled and oldest senior citizens, will be required. IV. DEFINITION OF SENIOR CENTERS & CHARACTERISTICS A Senior Center is defined as a facility for older adults which serves a designated geographic area and provides a broad program of individual services and group activities. " According to the National Institute for Senior Centers, " the purpose of a Senior Center is to be a community focal point for a designated geographic area which identifies needs and implements a comprehensive program of services and activities to enhance the quality of life for older adults." (NISC Self-Assessment Workbook) Progam Requirements. According to N.C. Division of Aging Standards, a Senior Center must provide through its own resources or through linkages and agreements with other organizatons the following basic services: 1. Multigroup activities and individual services 2. Information and referral to the public and satellite senior programs 3. Outreach program with and through satellite senior programs 4. Health and Wellness Promotion to the public and satellite senior programs 5. Transportation services Page 3 of 16 Delivery Requirements. According to N.C. Divsion of Aging Standards, a Senior Center must be open at least 8 hours per day, 5 days per week. Satellite Centers may operate less than 8 hours per day. Information on services and activities must be posted and publicized. Coordination with community services must be documented and input must be received from older adults on center policies and procedures. The Center must be staffed by a full- time paid Director and by paid or volunteer personnel capable of implementing its program. A satellite center must be staffed by a paid manager who is available during the hours of operation. Senior Center management training is required of staff. Ideal Facility Characteristics. Several facility characteristics have been identified in the literature as ideal. They are as follows: 1. Is perceived as serving all or most older adults, potential and actual users in the geographic service area. (Acceptability Factor) 2. Provides exclusive space in order to maintain identity, even though shared with other age groups when not in use. (Identity Factor) 3. Maintains a wholistic approach to serving older adults; concern with all of their needs. (Comprehensive Factor) 4. Is highly visible to older adults and the community. The center should be clearly identified with a permanent outdoor sign. (Visibility Factor) 5. Is centrally located. The center should be located on a much-travelled street, public area, conveniently located and easliy accessible to bus service. (Accessibility Factor) 6. Has adequate parking. Parking space should be available and accessible for older adult and staff use, especially for handicapped. (Accessibility Factor) 7. Is accessible to the handicapped. There should be special provisions for handicapped older adults, such as handrails, ramps, wide electronic doors, grab-bars, etc. (Functional Group Capacity Factor) 8. Involves older adults. The center operations and management should utilize the skills of older adults and participants as employees, volunteers, advisory and governing board members. (Volunteer Leadership Factor) Page 4 of 16 8 V. DESCRIPTION OF CURRENT SENIOR CENTER FACILITIES Since 1980 the Orange County Department on Aging has been managing Senior Centers. In 1995 the Department was responsible for four Senior Centers and provides transportation and senior programs at two Community Centers (Appendix F- Center Locations). A comparative profile of the current facilities and their use was prepared. (Appendix G) The Department employs a Senior Centers Administrator who does overall planning, as well as arranging, scheduling and publicizing programs, classes and individualized services at each senior center. The Senior Times newspaper coverage of each center is coordinated by the Administrator. Additionally, the Administrator supervises the Facility Managers at each center location. They, in turn, are responsible for overseeing daily activities as they occur, handling registration and fee collections, responding to walk-in information requests and managing room setup, scheduling and facility maintenance issues. JOCCA also employs part time nutrition program managers at the Hillsborough, Carrboro, and Southern Orange Senior Centers. The Dept. on Aging manages the nutrition program at the Chapel Hill Center and reports to JOCCA. The Community Centers at Efland-Cheeks and Northern Orange (Cedar Grove) are managed by the Orange County Recreation and Parks Department which provides facility staff and oversight of programs for all ages. JOCCA also has staff at these sites for their senior citizen nutrition program and to serve all ages. The Department on Aging does not have on site staff at these sites. The following is a brief description of the four senior centers and the two community centers that serve older adults in Orange County. Each site description includes an analysis as to their level of visibility, accessiblity and acceptability. The Hillsborough Senior Center. This center is the oldest ( established in 1980 with federal funds). It is located in the Whiffed Human Services Center, a large governmental building shared with health, mental health and social service clients of all ages. The administrative office space for the Department on Aging and Transportation (OPT) is very cramped and small (350 sq. ft. for 7 staff plus 10 drivers) as is the senior center space (2,668 sq.ft.- 3 rooms not including the hallway or restrooms). The hallway serves as a drop in lounge area, primarily for the men. The older women generally gather in the nutrition room or participate in a class in the Arts/Crafts room. Hillsborough Township is second to Chapel Hill in the concentration of older adults. This is the third most used facility surpassed only by the Chapel Hill and Carrboro Senior Centers. Page 5 of 16 0 9 Facility Summary. Hillsborough Center is centrally located, but lacks space to accomodate large groups of seniors (40+). Parking is limited. The designated center rooms within the building are scattered. Many people are unaware of the Center's existence because of the lack of outdoor signage. The Whitted building looks institutional - neither user friendly nor attractive. There is a lack of volunteer leadership, such as the Friends of the Chapel Hill Center,.to help promote the Center. Programs which have been successful at other centers have been cancelled in Hillsborough for lack of interest or awareness. Because of its limited space and governmental location, the Center's programming has been targeted to low income and frail older adults. The Carrboro Senior Center. This Center is located in a wing of the ArtsCenter in the downtown business district and is approximately 1 1/2 miles from the Southern Orange (Northside) Senior Center. The Center is composed of two w rental rooms (2,122 sq.ft), plus other rooms that may be used when available. There are no Department on Aging administrative offices, no drop-in lounge area and just two small offices for the Center Manager and the JOCCA nutrition site manager. The Dept.on Aging pays the ArtsCenter $14,132 a year(1995) for the rented space and on all utilities. Facility Summary. The Carrboro Center is accessible and is in a good location. However, parking is limited , space sharing problems exist with the ArtsCenter and there is a lack of visibility. The Carrboro Recreation Department assists in creating an awareness of programs and services. This is the second most used facility and its level of services remain stable. Some participants choose to also use the new Chapel Hill Senior Center which has the space for a greater variety of programs. Recently, a separate outside entrance door was installed into the Carrboro Senior Center space and lettering placed on the door. The Southern Orange Senior Center. This Center is housed in a section of a building shared with the Dept. of Social Services, Child Day Care Center and JOCCA. It is located in downtown Chapel Hill in the Northside Neighborhood Community. The building serves primarily low-income and minority persons of all ages. For the past 20 years, this facility has been used as a JOCCA nutrition site. The Center space is limited: two rooms (1,800 sq.ft.), a large multi-purpose room, and a small inadequate Arts/Crafts room. The use of the building conference room and lounge area is shared with other agencies. The Southern Orange building is scheduled to be occupied by OPC Mental Health Center once a new Southern Orange Human Service Center is constructed on Homestead Rd. in January,1998. Facility Summary. The Southern Orange Center, because of its history, residential location and limited space, has a neighborhood °Club Atmosphere". The Center has an active program with over 50 members in the Golden Age Page 6 of 16 10 Happy Circle Club, with predominately Black membership. The Southern Orange multi-use building looks institutional. It is neither user-friendly in design nor attractive. Parking is limited. The volunteer leadership is the Golden Age Happy Circle Club and its officers. The center programming has been primarily for low-income and older minority seniors. Morning programs (Arts/Crafts, exercise, speakers), a luncheon, and minimal afternoon activities are provided. The Center partially meets a need of those who have been attending for many years. It is not visible nor accessible and it needs improvement. The Chapel Hill Senior Center. This Center is located in the Galleria shopping center just off 15-501 Highway, the busiest traffic artery in Chapel Hill. It is the newest (established in 1991) and largest center occupying 12,000 sq.ft. The space is divided into a reception area, a manager's office, a courtyard, a kitchen, a lounge area, an auditorium and three meeting/activity rooms. In addition, the Center houses program offices for RSVP, a Wellness Center, Information and Case Assistance, and the administrator of all the senior centers. It is the only free-standing center in the county and is identified by large outdoor wall sign. Chapel Hill Township has the highest concentration of older adults and this Center is by far the most used facility, averaging over 200 people a day. The Center is a public-private partnership involving the County, the Town of Chapel Hill, and the Friends of the Chapel Hill Senior Center. The Friends is a non-profit organization of primarily senior citizens who raise funds, promote awareness of the center and serve as volunteers for center functions. They provide funds for center renovations and contribute one-third the rent. The Town of Chapel Hill provides funds to cover the center's utilities and maintenance, plus leisure programming at the center. The County Department on Aging provides center staffing, programming and two-thirds the rental expense ($59,496 in 1995) and some of the maintenance. Facility Summary. The Chapel Hill Senior Center is by far the most used, the most visible and accessible, and serves predominately White seniors. The Center is non- institutional, very user-friendly in design, and attractive. The Friends provide the major volunteer leadership in the center operation. Parking and lack of space are problems occassioned by its success in attracting more older adults than all other centers combined. Because it has more space than the other centers it is able to provide a more varied program. The Efland-Cheeks Community Center. This is a fairly new (established in 1990) facility serving all ages. It is close to the center of the township off US 70 Hwy. The center is accessible to and is used primarily by low-income people and the Black community. Because of its limited space (one large multi-purpose room), the Center has a neighborhood "Club Atmosphere". The facility is non-institutional, user-friendly in design and attractive, but not very visible. The volunteer leadership is the Senior Citizens Club and its officers. Page 7 of 16 11 The center programming serves mostly low-income and older minority residents with morning activities (Arts/Crafts, exercise, shopping), lunch and minimal afternoon activities. The average daily nutrition attendence is 26 persons. The Northern Orange Community Center. This center is located on US 86 Hwy in Cedar Grove in an old Black elementary school and serves children as well as older adults. There is no identification sign and no main entrance to the building, creating problems for newcomers. The building is neither user- friendly in design nor attractive, and it needs repair. The senior citizens rooms are scattered and poorly lit. The seniors and children share the large lunch room at the same time. Currently, the center programming, consisting of morning activities and lunch, is primarily for low-income and older minority residents. Like the Efland-Cheeks Community Center and the Southern Orange (Northside) Senior Center, this center mainly serves people from the Black community. This facility is not visible, accessible, or serves a majority of seniors in the broad northern Orange (Cedar Grove and Little River townships) area. The average daily nutrition attendance is 25 persons. VI. CRITICAL FACTORS IN PLANNING SENIOR CENTERS Before redesigning or planning any new senior centers in Orange County, four critical factors must be recognized and addressed: (1) the basic designs of senior center facilities, (2) the diversity of the older population and services they need, (3) the types of senior centers based on their programming and (4) the centralizing vs decentralizing of senior center operations. A. Two Basic Senior Center Designs. In investigating and visiting various senior centers, two distinct facility designs emerged: 1. A separate special purpose facility for seniors only. This type of design is found in the Chapel Hill Senior Center. 2. An interQenerational facility. This type of design involves serving seniors as part of a larger facility serving all age groups. Orange county's three other senior centers reflect this design: The Hillsborough Senior Center is on the ground floor of the Richard E. Whitted Human Services Center; the Southern Orange Senior Center is a section of the Southern Orange Human Services Building #1, and the Carrboro Senior Center is a section of the ArtsCenter. Page 8 of 16 12 B. The Diversity of the Older Population and Needed Services. We need to recognize that older adults are a diverse population with varying degrees of functional abilities. Three functional subgroups of older adults have been identifed: the "Fit-Well", the "Frail- Disabled" and the "Fragile- Institutionalized". These might be viewed as the three "stages of aging" over time and are more specifically described below. (Appendix H) 1. Fit/Well Seniors. Most (almost 80%) of the people over age 60 in this country fall into this category. Though many of these "Well-Active" persons have a chronic health problem, these problems do not constitute a major impairment or prevent them from living their usual way of life. Senior Center planning for this group is usually for group activities and services for productive living and the maintenance of good health. 2. Frail/Disabled Seniors. Just over 15% of older adults (60+) have health problems serious enough to make them "frail". Typically, they experience difficulty with one or more of the common activities of daily living (ADL) such as bathing, dressing, eating, toileting and moving around. Disabled Seniors may also have difficulty with specific "instrumental" life tasks (IADL) such as preparing meals, doing necesssary shopping and light housekeeping or using a telephone. Thus, center planning focuses on this smaller group of older adults with rehabilitative services to support and provide the help needed in their homes to continue to live independently. These are known as community-based long term care services. 3. Fragile/Institutionalized Seniors. Finally, there is the 5% of older adults (60+) who are sufficiently ill and impaired as to be genuinely "fragile", and who need to have almost constant care or supervision either in their home or in a residential setting. Center planning focuses on being the point of contact for the provision of 24 hour protective care or assistance to care givers (such as day health care or support groups in a center) in order to do all that can be done for Seniors to remain as active and socially involved as is possible. C. Types of Senior Centers Based on Programming. Again, three types of centers emerge based on the center programming emphasis and available space. 1. Multi-activity type. This type of center focuses its resources on social and recreational activities that emphasize meeting interactional needs Page 9 of 16 13 with others and thus, create new relationships. Examples are games, classes, dances, pot-luck dinners and senior citizen clubs. 2. Multi-service type. This type of center focuses its resources on programs that involve individual service needs. Examples are information/ referral, health services (flu shots, blood pressure checks), nutritious meals, tax and insurance assistance, case management, placement services ( volunteering, jobs), home maintenance (chores, repairs) and special support groups. 3. Multi-purpose type. This type of center tries to maintain a balance between group activities and individual services as described above. In addition, some multi-purpose centers attempt to also be multi- functional type carrying out training, research, advocacy, outreach, and community planning. D. Centralized vs Decentralized Center Operations. Both of these operational models have specific advantages as well as disadvantages. 1. Centralized Center. This model employs administration and staff at a single site center which covers a geographic service area having no satellites. All needed activities/services are housed in one facility. Key to the model is locating the center at or near the heart of the older population to be served, or at least at the midpoint of transportation routes. Specific advantages. A centralized center, especially a large one, can be recognized as the one place to channel services, saving time and energy, as well as money. It can provide a greater number and variety of programs/services and avoid unnecessary duplication of services. It is more likely to distribute services and opportunities to all older adults equally than small satellite centers. Specific disadvantages. A centralized center without adequate space or transportation services is not able to serve potential senior citizens in the geographic service area. Seniors may be forced to interact with others outside their local neighborhood and thus, feel de- personalized or not feel part of the center. 2. Decentralized Center. This model calls for locating staff and services in neighborhood facilities covering smaller designated geographic service area. Page 10 of 16 14 Specific advantages. At decentralized centers transportation may be less of a problem. The centers may offer the opportunity for more persons to become involved as leaders in their community. It may prove more beneficial in meeting the cultural needs of various local groups. Specific disadvantages. Several decentralized centers, especially small ones, covering the same service area as a larger centralized one, require more paid staff to operate. In addition, effective communication between sites may be difficult to maintain, and thus older adults may lose the unity for social action. VII. FUTURE SENIOR CENTERS: RECOMMENDATIONS Center Development Options. In light of historical developments, future population growth and distribution, coordination of aging services, NCDOA senior center standards and cost constraints for the development and operation of senior centers, two senior center development options were considered for the long term. OPTION #1: CENTRALIZED CENTER MODEL. Establish two large multi-purpose Senior Centers located in Chapel Hill, and Hillsborough with designated non-overlapping geographic service areas. The senior programs at the Efland and Northern Orange (Cedar Grove) Community Centers would be consolidated and all participants transported to the new comprehensive Hillsborough Senior Center. The senior programs at Carrboro and Southern Orange Senior Centers would be consolidated and all participants transported to the new comprehensive Chapel Hill Senior Center. OPTION #2: CENTRALIZED- DECENTRALIZED MODEL Establish two large multi-purpose (and Multi function) Senior Centers located in Chapel Hill, and Hillsborough with the further development of satellite outreach senior programs. The purpose of the outreach senior programs is to target areas with a high concentration of low-income persons, isolated populations (live alone), and older adult minority members. Page 11 of 16 15 COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS A. Senior Center Network Model. The Senior Centers Development Plan Committee carefully reviewed the two senior center development models and recommend Option #2: Centralized-Decentralized Model. Specifically, 1. A Large Mulltipurpose Center should be located in each of the two townships which have the highest concentration of elderly 60+ in the County, namely Chapel Hill and Hillsborough, (8.006). 73% of all county elderly reside in these two townships. 2. Satellite Outreach Senior Programs should continue to be located in the following older population areas: (A) Carrboro at the ArtsCenter. Rationale: Offers diverse and unique programs in the arts in con- junction with the Carrboro Recreation Dept. & serves older persons who identify with Carrboro community. (B) Cheeks Township at the Efland-Cheeks Community Center. Rationale:The highest concentration in the county of the elderly poor (45%), second highest percentage of elderly who live alone (47%), and minority (26%). (C) Cedar Grove Township at the Northern Orange Community Center. Rationale: The highest concentration in the county of isolated elderly who live alone (48%) as well as minority elderly (42%), and second highest of poor elderly (42%). (D) Chapel Hill/Northside area at the Southern Orange Senior Center. Rationale: The highest concentration of minority elderly in Chapel Hill reside in the Northside Community. To reflect the program focus, the facility name should be changed to the Northside Community Center. B. Center Administration. The Orange County Department on Aging should be responsible for the operation/ management of the two Multi-purpose Senior Centers and for the coordination of services at the four decentralized satellite senior centers. Page 12 of 16 16 C. Facility Design. 1. All existing and future facility design should meets OSHA and ADA handicapped standards. 2. The two Multipurpose Senior Centers should be free-standing, separate exclusive facility for seniors only. (not located within government buildings or all-age community centers.) 3. The two Multipurpose Senior Centers should be accessible, visible, and attractive as well as acceptable locations for most senior citizens. 4 . The Center facilities should accomodate an average daily attendence between 125-175 older persons at the Hillsborough Senior Center (10,000 - 15,000 sq.ft), and between 200-300 older persons at the Chapel Hill Senior Center (20,000-25,000 sq.ft.). Source: Senior Center Design by J. Jordan 5. The Southern Orange- Northside Senior Citizens Center should have additional 1,500 sq. ft. of space allotted for multiple activities such as arts/crafts sewing area, storage and lounge to take place at the same time. The Public hearing indicated the desire by senior citizens to remain at Northside rather than relocate to Hargraves Community Center, two blocks away, or to another location. Concern by senior citizens was expressed about the consequences if OPC Mental Health Center is allocated Social Services space when they relocate to the new Southern Orange Government Center. 6. The Efland-Cheeks Community Center should be expanded with an additional 1,500 sq. ft of space to accomodate enhanced programming and activities such crafts storage, larger stage and pool table, as well as assess and optimize existing space. The facility should continue to be a community center not just a senior center. 7. The Northern Orange Human Services Center should be re-designed (partitioning, etc.) so that existing space will be able to offer better services and additional programs. In addition, all senior citizen space should be relocated to the south wing of the building which is closest to the parking area. A handicap ramp and covered entrance with porch/waiting area should be constructed. An outdoor senior center sign should be posted. This would provide increased visibility and accessibility for the center. Page 13 of 16 i 17 8. The Carrboro Senior Center at the ArtsCenter should establish a new agreement to utilize more space for senior citizens with outdoor signs on the facility awning and at the street. For more space and visibility, the Public Hearing indicated a desire for a free standing senior center by acquiring space at another location or locating land to eventually construct a new senior center such as on the property of the United Church/New Covenant Senior Housing Project ( Smith Level & Culbreth). D. Service Area. 1. The Chapel Hill Senior Center's designated service area should be the townships of Chapel Hill and Bingham with a senior (60+) population of 9,342. The Hillsborough Senior Center designated service area should be the townships of Eno, Hillsborough, Cheeks, Cedar Grove and Little River with a Senior 60+ population of 4,670. (Est. by year 2000) E. Program Design. 1. The Senior Centers should have a wholistic approach- assisting with all of the older adults' needs and serving the diverse older population-the Well, the Disabled and Institutionalized people. 2. The Senior Centers should be multi-purpose and comprehensive in their programming, and include: a. Focus on both multi- activities and individual services. b. Information center to the public and to satellite senior programs c. Care management resource center for the public and frail older persons. d. Coordinated outreach program with and through any satellite senior programs. e. Health and Wellness Promotion Center f. Community planning (needs identification and service provision) g. Transportation services center h. Research and training site in association with area universities and agencies. i. Adult day care wing for frail older adult. j. Central Arts/crafts outlet for seniors (homebound & at satellite centers) k. Drop-in lounge area. I. Large kitchen for food preparation and service. 3. The Satellite Outreach Senior Centers at Efland, Cedar Grove, Northside (Downtown Chapel Hill), and Carrboro should be multipurpose (group activities and individual services), but targeted to the special Page 14 of 16 • 1 18 socioeconomic, cultural needs of area older adults. The minimum programming should include: a. Meals/Nutrition (daily) b. Arts/crafts classes (daily) c. Educational classes (weekly) d. Recreation/fitness (weekly) e. Volunteer opportunities (daily) f. Information/referral,esp. public assistance (daily) h. Insurance/tax assistance (weekly) i. Health Promotion- blood pressure and classes (weekly) k. Drop-in lounge area (daily) F. Funding Design and Strategy. 1. The Orange County Advisory Board on Aging in cooperation with Dept. on Aging should be directed to develop a funding plan by December, 1996 for the facility expansion or improvement approved in the Senior Centers Development Plan. 2. The Hillsborough Senior Center and Satellite Outreach Senior Centers must be supported, in part, by a Friends organization or other supportive groups. This promotes a sense of community ownership, financial support as well as volunteering. 3. The two Multipurpose Senior Centers should be supported by a funding alliance with their respective towns (Chapel Hill and Hillsborough), the County and the Friends of each Center. 4. The Satellite Senior Outreach Programs also should be supported by a funding alliance with their respective community, the County; and the Friends organizations. 5. For the immediate future ( 1996-97), the County should investigate the purchase of the existing Chapel Hill Senior Center property and the adjoining space for adult day care and other multi-purpose activities. If unsuccessful, a search committee should be formed to identify available property/land in the east Chapel Hill business area where the highest concentration of older adults reside. (Appendix I - Past Developments at the Chapel Hill Senior Center) 6. In the immediate future (1996-97), the County should locate property (preferrably donated land) in the Hillsborough area for the construction of a free- standing Multipurpose Senior Center by the year 2000. Page 15 of 16 1 19 7. In the immediate future (1996-97), the County, in cooperation with the Town of Carrboro, should explore the initial development of a Carrboro Senior Center on property of the United Church/New Covenant Senior Housing Project. (Smith Level and Culbreth Rd.) or other donated land. G. Plan Oversight. Once the Senior Centers Plan is adopted, the Orange County Advisory Board on Aging should review the implementation status of the recommendations, or consider modifications on an annual basis and report back to the County Commissioners.. Prepared for the Orange County Senior Centers Development Plan Committee by Jerry M. Passmore, Director , Orange County Department on Aging. Special Thanks to Department on Aging Support Staff: Janice Tyler, Senior Centers Administrator Katherine Leith, I/R Specialist FN:SCPLN896.Doc (Final Report to BOCC, August 20, 1996) Page 16 o 16 r 20 Appendix A ORANGE COUNTY SENIOR CENTERS DEVELOPMENT PLAN PLANNING PROCESS: MEMBERSHIP, PROCEDURE AND TIMEFRAME Revised January, 1996 PURPOSE: To prepare a long-range county senior centers development plan(SCDP) for Board of County Commissioners approval and Community supported.. TASKS COMPLETION DATE 1. Recruit and select SCDP committee members January, 1995 A. Request two appointments by the Town of Chapel Hill and one appointment by the Towns of Carrboro and Hillsborough. B. Request two appointments by the Orange County Advisory Board on Aging. C Select one representative from each Township by the County Commissioners. 2. Hold SCDP Committee meetings to review/analyze the Feb.-Apr., 1995. following minimum background materials: A. Current Senior Center Facilities: management, budget, activities and citizen use. B. State and national standards for center operations developed by NC Division of Aging(NCDOA) and the National Countil on Aging(NCOA). C. The 1991 Report of the Task Force on Southern Orange, The Establishment of a Senior Center Network Model: Long and Short Recommendations. D. The 1993 Report on Southern Orange Senior Center: Developments since the 1991 Task Force's recommendations. E. Senior Center space in the proposed new Southern Orange Human Services Center on Homestead Rd., Chapel Hill. F. The County Aging Board's 1993 Senior Center recommendations covering all of Orange County. 3. Visit all current Orange County Senior Centers and Apr.-June, 1995 community centers that serve older adults. Pagel of 2 21 t 4. Establish policy recommendations covering the number, Aug.-Oct., 1995 design, functions, services, and location of senior centers throughout Orange County for both the short and long term. 5. Prepare and complete Senior the Centers Development Plan Nov., 1995 Interim Report, five-year period to the year 2000 and beyond. 6. Present the draft Senior Centers Development Plan tothe the Dec.,1995 SCDP Committee for approval and the Orange County Advisory Board on Aging for review/comment. 7 Present the Senior Centers Development Plan Interim Jan., 1996 Report to the Board of County Commissioners for review, and comment. 8. Present the Senior Centers Development Plan Interim February, 1996 Report to the Town Councils (Hillsborough, Carrboro and Chapel Hill)for review and comment . 9. Hold public hearings at centers and other locations by Feb.-March, 1996 the SCDP Committee to receive comments on the Plan. 10. Hold final SCDP Committee meeting to make necessary April-May, 1996 changes in the Plan. 11. Present the final Plan to the Orange County Aging May-June, 1996 Advisory Board for review and comment. 12. Present the Senior Centers Development Plan: 1996- June-August, 1996 2000 to the Board of County Commissioners for final review, changes and adoption. 13. Present to Town Councils of Chapel Hill, Carrboro August-Sept., 1996 and Hillsborough for review and action. (Orange County Advisory Board on Aging, approved March 24, 1994. Process updated by SCDP Committee Jan. and Dec., 1995 and BOCC in Jan.,1996).) FN: SCPLANPR.DOC Page 2 of 2 APPENDIX B . 22 ORANGE COUNTY SENIOR CENTERS DEVELOPMENT PLAN COMDUTTEE MEIIIBERSHIP LIST- 1995 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF CONLNUSSIONERS APPONTIN NTS: Chapel Hill Township: Frances Hargraves 108 Caldwell St. Chapel Dill, NC 27516 942-5847 Bingham Township: Bob Schmidt 4405 Borland Road E$and,NC 27243 563-3504 Cheeks Township: Roy McAdoo P.O. Box 153. E$aad, NC 27243 Hillsborough Twp: Louise Clayton P.O. Box 541 Hillsborough, NC 27278 732-3320 Eno Township: Mary Bacon . 3801 St.Mary's Rd. Msborough,NC 27278 732-3282 Cedar Grove Twp Ina Wbitted JOCCA-Cedar Grove 732-8194 Little River Twp: Frances Hamlin 7300 NC 157 West Rougemont,NC 27572 732-3444 23 ORANGE COUM ADVISORY BOARD ON AGING APPOINTIMLNTS: At-Large: Betty Am Hayes Orange County Register of Dads Hillsborough,NC 732-8181, act. 2676 Ruth Long 437 W. Tryon St. fflllsborougb,NC 27278 732-2948 TOWN OF CHAPEL TmI APPOINT5MM: Chapel Hill Resident: Betty Landsbager 807 King's Mill Rd. Chapel Hill,NC 27514 929-3919 George Snowden: 413 Lake Shore Lane Chapel Hill,NC 27514 TOWN OF CARRBORO APPOVffMENTS: Carrboro Resident: Elizabeth Hutton 409 Lindsey St. Carrboro,NC 27510 942-2276 TOWN OF MLLnOROUGH APPOOTMENT: Town of Kills. Resident: Ted Moore 116 E. Union St. ILllsborough,NC 27278 732-3625 FN: SCDP-MEM.DOC PUBLIC HEARINGS REPORT Appendix C ON 24 THE SENIOR CENTERS DEVELOPMENT PLAN March, 1996 In order to receive citizen comments on the interim report and recommendations, public hearings were held in March at nine locations throughout the county at senior centers, community centers and churches. The schedule of public meetings was as follows: Location Date Attendance # Survey # 1. Recreation & Parks Bldg, Hillsborough March 4, 11 am 25 23 2. Chapel Hill Senior Center at the Galleria March 7, 2 pm 40 17 3. Carrboro Sr. Center at ArtsCenter March 11, 10 am 30 23 4, Hargraves Community Center, Chapel Hill March 12, 10:30 37 26 5. Antioch Bapt. Church, Young at Heart Club March 12, 11:30 25 15 6. Northern Orange H.S. Ctr, Cedar Grove March 19, 10:30 15 0 7. Efland-Cheeks Community Center, Efland March 20, 10:30 25 11 8. Presbyterian Church, AARP , Hillsborough March 21, 11:30 12 9 9. Caldwell Community Ctr, Little River Twshp. March 26, 2 pm 5 4 Totals 214 124 Over 214 citizens attended the hearings with an estimated 70% female, 40% minority and 60% in the 70-79 age group. Attendees came from all over the county, from southern Bingham township to Northern Little River township with an estimated 40% rural, 20°x6 Hillsborough, 25% Chapel Hill and 15% Carrboro. The public hearing agenda included distributing an Executive Summary of the Senior Centers Plan, a brief staff presentation on the plan and closing comments by-participants. A total of 124 persons completed a Citizen Input/Comment Sheet, giving their opinions about the Senior Centers Development Plan. The public hearings revealed a high percentage of support for the overall Senior Center Development Plan. No participant spoke against the overall plan and 73% of the completed citizen input sheets indicated yes to "the establishment of two large multi-purpose Senior Centers located in Chapel Hill and Hillsborough with the further development of satellite outreach senior programs.". 23% expressed no opinion with 4% not in favor of the plan. There was 77°x6 support for the multi-purpose Centers to "be comprehensive, including both multactivities and personal services" including an adult day health wing for the frail older adult. With specific centers and satellite outreach senior programs there was less support, falling in the 69% to 57°x6 range. Generally, participants indicated no opinion or left the question blank if they were not familiar with the specific satellite programs. There was 74% support for Satellite Outreach Senior Programs at Efland, Cedar Grove, Northside and Carrboro to" be designed for the special socioeconomic, cultural needs of area older adults" with a minimum program of meals, crafts, education classes, fitness, information assistance, health promotion and drop-in lounge. The majority ( 71%) felt the senior centers and outreach programs must be supported by a funding alliance including the County, the towns and a private Friends organization that would promote a sense of community ownership, volunteers as well as financial support. Page 1 of 3 Appendix C 25 SUMMARY TABLE: CITIZEN INPUT AND COMMENT SHEET QUESTION QUESTION YES NO NO OPINION/BLANK 4 OVERVIEW NUM./%0 NUM/0/6 NUM./010 1 2 Multipurpose Sr.Centers 91 /73% 29/23% 2 A New Large Free Standing Multipurpose Senior Center in Hillsborough 70/ 57% 47/37% 3 Senior Centers should be Comprehensive& support Satellites 95 / 77% 22/17% 4 Satellite Outreach Senior Programs should continue at: CARRBORO AT ARTSCENTER 86/69% 35 /29% CHEEKS AT EFLAND COMMUNITY CENTER 70/ 57% 54/43 % CEDAR GROVE AT NORTHERN ORANGE COMM. CENTER. 72/ 58 % 51 /41 % CHAPEL HILL AT SOUTHERN. -ORANGE SR. CENTER 82/66% 41 /33 % 5 Special Socioeconomic and Cultural Influences at each Center, but - Maintain Minimum Programs 92/74% 30/26% 6 "Friends" Type Support is a Must at All Locations. 88/71 % 33 /26% 7 Multipurpose Senior Centers Require Local Town Funding Alliance. 80/65 % 43 / 34% 8 Satellite Outreach Programs Need Local Funding Alliance and or Support 92/74% 30/ 24% Page 2 of 4 Appendix C 26 Highlights from Public Hearing Comments March, 1996 The following is a brief summary of citizen comments at the nine public hearing locations. Generally, participants made comments and were concerned about their center or their area of the county. 1. Hillsborough - Recreation & Parks Facility. A. Concern that 15,000 sq.ft. for the proposed Hillsborough Multipurpose Center would not be enough for future needs (Year 2005 and beyond) and that there be enough land for future growth. B. Need ways to attract more older people, suggested a restaurant. 2. Chapel Hill Senior Center at the Galleria A. Support purchase of the Chapel Hill Senior Center space. B. Concern that the adult day care be separate from the rest of the senior center and have its own entrance. 3. Carrboro Senior Center at the ArtsCenter A. Need more space at the Carrboro Center. B. Need a Center sign at the street entrance and on the facility awning. C. Many express the desire for a free- standing Carrboro Center and willing to relocate to other rental space. 4. Hargraves Community Center- Chapel Hill A. Because of the historical significance of Northside Center (first Black training school), many expressed a desire for the senior citizens programs to remain there rather than relocate to Hargraves Community Center or elsewhere. B. Concern that seniors would have to share space at Hargraves Community Center with Children/youth and wanted their own space for seniors at Northside. C. Need more space at Northside for multiple activities such as crafts sewing area, storage, drop in lounge and meeting room. Est. 1,500 sq.ft. D. Suggested need for a advisory group to help develop programs - especially to attract younger seniors. 5, Antioch Baptist Church-Young at Heart Club- Bingham Township A. Support the Senior Center Development Plan. 6. Northern Orange Human Services Center- Cedar Grove A. Support the re-design of existing space to offer more activities and services such TV/lounge area. B. Support idea to relocate all senior citizens space to south wing of the building, close to parking area, but some felt it would be too far from the restroom and water fountain. C. Need for handicap ramp and covered entrance with a porch/waiting area. D. Need outdoor sign indicating the Senior Center. E. Need for rooms to have better lighting. Page 3of4 Appendix C 27 7. Elfand-Cheeks Community Center- Efland A. Expand the space to accommodate activities such as crafts, bingo/games, classes, storage, larger stage and pool table. Est. 1,500 sq.ft. B. Suggest enclosing the covered porch area. C. Want the facility to continue as a community center for all ages. D. Support idea of partnership of various groups to help expand the building. 8. Presbyterian Church -AARP Chapter- Hillsborough A. Support the overall Senior Centers Plan, especially the free standing Hillsborough Senior Center. B. Support idea of adult day care at the senior center. C. Need for more access for older handicapped adults to use the center. D. Need to make sure the Hillsborough Center is large enough to serve seniors 10 years from now. 9. Caldwell Community Center- Little River Township A. Support the development of a large free standing Hillsborough Senior Center and had no opinion on the rest of the plan. The public hearing comments were helpful In modifying the final draft of the Senior Centers Development Plan. FN:Pubhr-SC.Doc Page 4of4 APPENDIX D 28 CO O � a U c C � � m N + aQ aQ aQ O a m m n (�H m 10 ^ v CPf wl al a � 0 CR C4 a s uj g a g o � a N a a` m U Z W �.. D e ^ ^ m cy n w o r% e a c r da P O m e ^ m c3 v w ..� R V C4 r V pa m R APPENDIX E 9 ORANGE COUNTY OLDER POPULATION- 1990 CENSUS TOWNSHIP DISTRIBUTION Little River Twp. Cedar Grove Twp. I 60+-620(5.6%) I 60+—238(20/*) 65+-487(6%) 65+-129(1.6%) Minority 65+-204(42%) Minority -(6501.)—6(5 01.) 80+-118(24%) ' 80+-35(27%) Living Alone(65+)-233(48%) Living Alone(65+)=22(17%) Below Poverty(65+)=117(24%) I Below Poverty(65+)=12(90%) Cheeks HMsborOU&TwP. i Eno Twp. 1 160+-1,582•(14.4%)! 60+=698(6.4%) ` 60+-817 (7.4%) 65+-478(6%) 65+—564(7%) (65+-1,171(14%) Minority(65+)—32(11%) Minority-(65+)-144(25.5%) Minority-(65+) 80.E-58(12%) 80+—80(ne (6 1-297(25%)8 50(21%) Living AlOne(65+)=145(30%) Living Alone (63+)=264 (47%) ' (65+) f Below Poverty(65+)-34(7%) Below Poverty(65+)-256(45°h) '=480 Alone Below Poverty(65+) (-221(19%) Bbigbm r Twp. C>mpolainTwp. 1990-60+—610(5.5%) 60+—6,424(58.5%) 65+-404(5%) 65+-4,887(60%) Minority (65+)-60(15%) Minority(65+)—804(16.5%) 80+-96(21%) 80+-1,103(23%) Living Alone(65+)—144(36%) Living Alone(63+)-1,662(34%) Bdow Povaty(65+)-42(10%) Below Poverty(65+)-433(9.7%) COUNTY TOTAL 60+= 10,989 65+= 8,120 60+AND 65+(%)-PERCENTAGE OF TOTAL COUNTY 60+/65+POPULATION MINORrrY,80+,LIVING ALONE AND POVERTY(%)=PERCENTAGE OF TOTAL TOWNSHIP 65+POPULATION APPENDIX F - CURRENT LOCATIONS OF SENIOR CENTERS 30 SEPTEMBER, 1995 Orange County, N.C. To wnshi p and 1990 Census Tract Boundaries { tittle River { * CEEM (HOVE { { Cedar Grove { r i 1 Cheeks I 1 Eno * EFLAND C . {°�x' t 1 { t 1 HllLqborough 1 thaFe t sots an= c ENM;t Bingham i OURMIDE) { * CAPS, CNRRBCIRD Ic c To--hip. .r no Cw+na! of Cavana a on app May 4. LY'S �PPEZ7DIX 31 G 0 hw is seal i sec S 8 d < S C4 $ C4 — iC U Z t T coo _ 1 - < s a. z gv � dd to SIR ~ �Sol � to I O yr. N � N v M '< < as V Z aIe;I o a� vs r 3 Id V lot, . � 4 t I < p pP1�N�� 8 32 4 Its. A ♦ Y d do„s. pis �� sill, � • .a=0'� r IRS a < # Eli _ a Eli • V _ r 33 APPENDIX I PAST DEVELOPMENTS AT THE CHAPEL HILL SENIOR CENTER July, 1996 The Chapel Hill Senior Center,located in the Galleria Shopping Center on Elliott Road,was established in June, 1991 through a public-private partnership between the County of Orange,the Town of Chapel Hill and the Friends of the Chapel Hill Senior Center,Inc., a non-profit citizens support organization. The County entered into a five year lease arrangement with an additional five year option through the year 2001. Specific accomplishments for the past years are as follows: 1. Since its formation in August, 1991, the Friends of the Chapel Hill Senior Center provided financial support by paying one-third the rent,totaling$100,000 and contributing over$200,000 for facility renovations. In addition,the Friends have provided thousands of dollars of upfit volunteer manpower. The Friends organization has grown to over 1,500 contributors to the Center. 2. Since August, 1991, the Town of Chapel Hill has provided $66,000 to the Friends for the Center's operational expenses (electric,water, etc.) , $11,000 for the construction of the kitchen (fall, 1992) and staff'for recreational programming at the Center. 3. Since August, 1991,the County through its Department on Aging has provided over$200,000 toward rental expense plus staff to manage the Center. 4. The Chapel Hill Senior Center has become the most highly visible and accessible facility to both Seniors and other community groups. It has the most varied activities and is the most used facility in the county, surpassing the combined participation of both Carrboro and the Southern Orange Center. 5. In the Fall of 1993 all ground level areas (9,000 sq. ft) of the Chapel Hill Senior Center were completed for use. The mezzanine renovation was completed in November, 1995, providing 3,000 sq. ft, which made it possible to centralize Dept. on Aging services. The Center has become a truly multipurpose,one-stop center with such individual services as eldercare assistance, information/referral, health promotion activities, tax and insurance assistance to name a few. 6. In July, 1996, the Friends board endorsed the Senior Centers Development Plan which recommends the purchase by Orange County of the leased Chapel Hill Senior Center- space and the adjoining space for adult day care and other multi- purpose activities and services. FN:Ch-Ctr96.doc