April 18, 2023
City Council
DATE: April 18, 2023
TO: Mayor Martinez and Members of the City Council
FROM:
Vice Mayor McLaughlin
Subject:
Compile a List of Existing Senior Programs/Services and Identify Gaps
FINANCIAL IMPACT: N/A
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
N/A
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
Seniors are a large demographic in Richmond which is
expected to grow further in the years to come. We need
to assure that sufficient services and opportunities are available to meet the needs of our senior population.
Toward that end, it is important to examine the level of services and programs we currently have available and
what gaps exist.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: DIRECT staff to compile an interdepartmental list, to be provided to the City Council prior to May 5, 2023, of all programs, services and projects currently available to our senior population and identify gaps in various areas. - Vice Mayor Gayle McLaughlin (620-6366)
DISCUSSION:
The number of older adults nationwide is expanding. Starting in 2030 older Americans will make up 21 percent of the population, up from 15 percent today.
AGENDA
REPORT
April 18, 2023
By 2060, nearly one in four Americans will be 65 years and older, the number of 85-plus will triple, and the country will add a half million centenarians.
As our senior population grows in Richmond, it is important to examine and re-examine how we can best provide more services and resources to this important sector of our population.
Richmond has a strong and very active Commission on Aging (COA). I, Vice Mayor McLaughlin, serve as the liaison to this Commission. The Commission would like to have a better sense of what is currently available and what gaps exist. This item directs staff to compile an interdepartmental list of services, programs, and projects currently available for seniors. Gaps should be identified in the following areas and other areas:
Food and Nutrition programs
Recreation activities
Health services
Education
Senior employment
Transportation services
Special events
Minor home repair/maintenance
Supplemental in-home chore, personal care, and protective supervision services Counseling and therapeutic services
Care management/Adult daycare
Meal services
Communication services
Once a list with identifiable gaps is produced, the COA will be able to prioritize their recommendations to the City Council. They meet next on Friday, May 5. This item authorizes staff to compile this list and send it to the City Council prior to May 5th.
As the COA liaison, I will bring this list to the COA’s next meeting for their review and feedback. All recommendations will be brought back to the Council as a whole to determine what additional resources might be allocated in the coming Fiscal Year budget process.
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
None