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What is the 2005 Statewide Needs Assessment?
In January, the 2005 Statewide Needs Assessment of Massachusetts residents aged 60 and over will be mailed to 11,000 households statewide, with approximately 400 surveys sent to individuals in Berkshire County. Sponsored jointly by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs and the 23 Massachusetts Area Agencies on Aging, the needs assessment process occurs every four years. Elder Services of Berkshire County conducts our county’s needs assessment in order to develop responsive services for elders in our local communities.
Individuals who receive the assessment are selected randomly through a coding system determined by the total number of elders in our area.
"Under the federal guidelines, any individual aged 60 and older can be included in the needs assessment,” according to Beth Hinkley, Planner for Elder Services. “ The survey’s results will be used to better meet the needs of older people in Massachusetts in the years to come by identifying and tracking trends identified in 2005. The surveys are returned to the Executive Office of Elder Affairs. Respondents' names are not requested on the survey.”
The information requested ranges from identifying interests, such as using the Internet, to determining unmet needs of elders, such as receiving help with preparing tax forms, finding transportation, or paying for prescriptions. The survey also includes one page with specific areas pertinent to Berkshire County, such as asking if Berkshire Senior TV is viewed by the respondent.
“From a planning perspective, it is important to Elder Services to continue to be an effective and visible advocate on behalf of the over 30,000 individuals aged 60 to 105 residing in Berkshire County,” stressed Hinkley. “It will help area elders if individuals who received the mailing will take a few minutes to complete and return the survey.”
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