Discussion

The Egyptian Area Agency on Aging conducted a series of surveys in senior citizen centers in Franklin, Gallatin, Johnson, Massac, Perry, Saline, and Williamson counties in Southern Illinois. There were 548 people in attendance at these centers, 368 people (67%) completed and returned a survey form.

(see Survey Results below)

The respondents to this survey were older than expected, more were women, and more were living alone than the norm for this region. The larger percentage of respondents who were older women living alone may account for many of the findings in the survey or findings which are different than those from other surveys.

Age ... 36% of the older people in Southern Illinois are aged 75 or older, but nearly 66% of those responding to this survey were in this age group reflecting an older audience.

Gender ... 59% of the people aged 60 and older in Southern Illinois are women, but over two-thirds (67%) of those responding to this survey were women.

Living alone ... nearly 31% of the people aged 60 and older in Southern Illinois live alone, but over twice as many (nearly 64%) of those responding to this survey live alone.

Caring for others ... It is interesting that only 3.3% of the respondents indicated they provided care for another older person and only 2.2% provided cared for their grandchildren. Caring for relatives seems to be the latest “hot topic” but it does not seem to affect many respondents to this survey. This may be explained due to the advanced age of this group as two-thirds of them were age 75 and older and may not feel able to care for relatives.

Housing alternatives ... The respondents indicated that they may someday be more interested in assisted living (25%) and retirement communities (17%) than in public housing (10.1%), public housing with services (11.1%), or board and care facilities (10.6%). Also, the respondents indicated even less interest in living with another relative (6.5%), although five respondents indicated by comment that they have a daughter or someone else living with them.

Also of interest were the comments by 16 respondents who indicated a general concern that they wanted to live in their own home and alone.

Eight respondents made general comments about living in, or the need for, more affordable housing facilities and private housing.

Six respondents commented about the need for reliable workmen for home repairs, yard work, and in-home care which I assume means that these crafts would help keep people safer and in their own homes longer.

In related questions about housing and repairs, 19.5% of the respondents had concerns about home modifications, 14.2% had concerns about housing, and 35.6% had concerns about the cost of utilities.

In related questions about receiving care in their home, 25% had concerns about getting homemaker service, 14.7% had concerns about in-home companion/relief caregiver, and 12.2% had concerns about assistance with paying bills or writing checks.

Cost of utilities ... 55.7% of those responding indicated that this issue was a concern. The respondents made no additional comments on this issue.

Getting adequate health care ... 48.1% of those responding indicated that this issue was a concern. There were three comments from respondents concerning the high cost of, more control of, the cost of prescriptions and over charge by specialists and hospitals; and the need for free transportation to doctor appointments and to get medications. Four respondents commented that what they liked most about their senior center were the nurses (who do blood pressure checks.)

Finding legal advice ... 43.9% of those responding indicated that this issue was a concern. One respondent commented that the lawyer who come to the site to assist was what the respondent liked most about the senior center.

Finding recreational or social activities ... 43.5% of those responding indicated that this issue was a concern. However, there were 19 respondents who commented that the activities, entertainment, different services provided were what they liked most about their senior center and 26 respondents commented that what their senior center could do differently is more activities, entertainment, planned programs.

Getting information about services ... 43.5% of those responding indicated that this issue was a concern.

Having enough money to live on ... 43.3% of those responding indicated that this issue was a concern. This is the third issue related to concerns about money or high costs. Having enough money and being able to pay for needed services is clearly a concern of older people.

Getting help after a disaster (i.e., flood, storm, earthquake, etc.) ... 46.9% of those responding indicated that this issue was a concern.

Transportation ... 36.6% of those responding indicated that this issue was a concern. Three respondents commented that transportation was what they like most about their senior center and four commented that it was needed everyday. One respondent commented that there needed to be free transportation to doctor appointments and to get medications and one commented that transportation needed to pick up people sooner.

Getting homemaker service ... although 92 respondents (seventh highest number) indicated this was a concern, only 27.1% of those responding indicated that this issue was a concern as 226 respondents indicated it was not an issue for them.

Crime ... 34.8% of those responding indicated that this issue was a concern. This is surprisingly low since it was the third highest concern on a survey conducted previously.

Comments from Respondents ... Clearly, the respondents enjoyed their senior center and its activities as many positive comments were made about the centers (362 comments). These included their enjoyment of its socialization, meals, caring staff, and activities.

There were several comments made about the need for improvements at their senior center (72 comments). Some respondents mentioned improvements were needed on the center’s parking (3 comments), meals served everyday (2), better wheelchair accessibility (2), more variety of food or better meals (23), and loud music (2) among others.

The Actual Survey Results

Age ... six respondents (1.6%) did not report their age, no one reported being under the age of forty, four respondents (1.1%) reported being between ages 41-59, there were 122 respondents (33.1%) between ages 60-74, and 236 respondents (64.1%) aged 75 or older.

Gender ... 116 respondents were male (31.5%) and 237 were female (64.4%). 15 respondents (4.1%) did not report their gender.

Living alone ... 231 respondents (62.8%) reported they lived alone, 130 (25.3%) reported they did not, and seven did not indicate whether or not they lived alone.

Caring for others ... twelve respondents (3.3%) indicated they were currently caring for an elderly adult, 323 were not (87.8%) and 33 did not respond (9.0%). Eight respondents (2.2%) indicated they were currently caring for a grandchild, 342 were not (92.9%), and 18 did not respond (4.9%).

Housing alternatives ... we asked, “Some day, will you be interested in any of these housing alternatives.”

• “Retirement community - condo/rental units near other types of housing such as a hospital or nursing home.” 63 respondents (17.1%) indicated yes, 93 (25.3%) indicated no, 102 (27.7%) indicated not sure, and 110 (29.9%) did not answer this question.
  
• “Assisted living apartments which includes services such as housekeeping and staff on duty 24 hours.” 92 respondents (25%) indicated yes, 111 (30.2%) indicated no, 75 (20.4%)indicated not sure, and 90 (24.5%) did not answer this question.
  
• “Public housing - either duplexes or a high rise building.” 37 respondents (10.1%) indicated yes, 132 (35.9%) indicated no, 74 (20.1%) indicated not sure, and 125 (34%) did not answer this question.
  
• “Public housing in a high rise which includes services such as meals, adult day services, and a homemaker.” 41 respondents (11.1%) indicated yes, 122 (33.2%) indicated no, 73 (19.8) indicated not sure, and 132 (35.9%) did not answer this question.
  
• “Board and care home - a caregiver’s home which includes a sleeping room and common dining area.” 39 respondents (10.6%) indicated yes, 126 (34.2%) indicated no, 71 (19.3%) indicated not sure, and 132 did not answer this question.
  
• “Living with another relative (i.e. son/daughter/sister)” 24 respondents (6.5%) indicated yes, 155 (42.1%) indicated no, 67 (18.2%) indicated not sure, and 122 (33.2%) did not answer this question.
  

Issues of a concern ... we asked, “Are these issues a concern to you or your spouse?”

• “Getting information about services.” 63 respondents (17.1%) indicated this was a major issue, 37 (10.1%) indicated minor issue, 100 (27.2%) indicated not an issue, 30 (8.2) indicated not sure, and 138 (37.5%) did not answer.
  
• “Finding legal advice.” 59 respondents (16%) indicated this was a major issue, 48 (13%) indicated minor issue, 113 (30.7%) indicated not an issue, 24 (6.5%) indicated not sure, and 124 (33.7%) did not answer this question.
  
• “Finding recreational or social activities.” 52 respondents (14.1%) indicated this was a major issue, 49 (13.3%) indicated minor issue, 116 (31.5%) indicated not an issue, 15 (4.1%) indicated not sure, and 136 (37%) did not answer this question.
  
• “Getting homemaker service.” 57 respondents (15.5%) indicated this was a major issue, 35 (9.5%) indicated minor issue, 226 (61.4%) indicated not an issue, 21 (5.7%) indicated not sure, and 29 (7.9%) did not answer this question.
  
• “Transportation.” 58 respondents (15.8%) indicated this was a major issue, 32 (8.7%) indicated minor issue, 140 (38%) indicated not an issue, 16 (4.3%) indicated not sure, and 122 (33.2%) did not answer this question.
  
• “Getting more education.” 25 respondents (6.8%) indicated this was a major issue, 21 (5.7%) indicated minor issue, 170 (46.2%) indicated not an issue, 9 (2.4%) indicated not sure, and 143 (38.9%) did not answer this question.
  
• “>Getting information on volunteering.” 23 respondents (6.3%) indicated this was a major issue, 29 (7.9%) indicated minor issue, 159 (43.2%) indicated not an issue, 14 (3.8%) indicated not sure, and 143 (38.9%) did not answer this question.
  
• “Getting adequate health care.” 87 respondents (23.6%) indicated this was a major issue, 27 (7.3%) indicated minor issue, 113 (30.7%) indicated not an issue, 10 (2.7%) indicated not sure, and 131 (35.6%) did not answer this question.
  
• “Getting adequate nursing home care.” 45 respondents (12.2%) indicated this was a major issue, 25 (6.8%) indicated minor issue, 119 (32.3%) indicated not an issue, 21 (5.7%) indicated not sure, and 158 (42.9%) did not answer this question.
  
• “Getting counseling (depression, grief, etc.)” 26 respondents (7.1%) indicated this was a major issue, 28 (7.6%) indicated minor issue, 148 (40.2%) indicated not an issue, 23 (6.3%) indicated not sure, and 143 (38.9%) did not answer this question.
  
• “Misusing drugs or mixing with alcohol.” 17 respondents (4.6%) indicated this was a major issue, 11 (2.3%) indicated minor issue, 175 (47.6%) indicated not an issue, 8 (2.2%) indicated not sure, and 157 (42.7%) did not answer this question.
  
• “Getting enough food.” 36 respondents (9.8%) indicated this was a major issue, 30 (8.2%) indicated minor issue, 160 (43.5%) indicated not an issue, 8 (2.2%) indicated not sure, and 134 (36.4%) did not answer this question.
  
• “Loneliness.” 39 respondents (10.6%) indicated this was a major issue, 35 (9.5%) indicated minor issue, 147 (39.9%) indicated not an issue, 8 (2.2%) indicated not sure, and 139 (37.8%) did not answer this question.
  
• “Racial discrimination.” 10 respondents (2.7%) indicated this was a major issue, 32 (8.7%) indicated minor issue, 144 (39.1%) indicated not an issue, 7 (1.9%) indicated not sure, and 175 (47.6%) did not answer this question.
  
• “Elder Abuse.” 35 respondents (9.5%) indicated this was a major issue, 13 (3.5%) indicated minor issue, 165 (44.8%) indicated not an issue, 7 (1.9%) indicated not sure, and 148 (40.2%) did not answer this question.
  
• “Crime.” 50 respondents (13.6%) indicated this was a major issue, 21 (5.7%) indicated minor issue, 125 (34%) indicated not an issue, 8 (2.2%) indicated not sure, and 164 (44.6%) did not answer this question.
  
• “Having enough money to live on.” 64 respondents (17.4%) indicated this was a major issue, 36 (9.8%) indicated minor issue, 118 (32.1%) indicated not an issue, 13 (3.5%) indicated not sure, and 137 (37.2%) did not answer this question.
  
• “Cost of utilities.” 93 respondents (25.3%) indicated this was a major issue, 38 (10.3%) indicated minor issue, 96 (26.1%) indicated not an issue, 8 (2.2%) indicated not sure, and 133 (36.1%) did not answer this question.
  
• “Housing.” 26 respondents (7.1%) indicated this was a major issue, 26 (7.1%) indicated minor issue, 149 (40.5%) indicated not an issue, 15 (4.1%) indicated not sure, and 152 (41.3%) did not answer this question.
  
• “Getting a part-time job.” 13 respondents (3.5%) indicated this was a major issue, 48 (13%) indicated minor issue, 113 (30.7%) indicated not an issue, 24 (6.5%) indicated not sure, and 124 (33.7%) did not answer this question.
  
• “Getting help after a disaster (i.e. flood, storm, earthquake, etc.)” 65 respondents (17.7%) indicated this was a major issue, 26 (7.1%) indicated minor issue, 87 (23.6%) indicated not an issue, 16 (4.3%) indicated not sure, and 174 (47.3%) did not answer this question.
  
• “Assistance paying bills or writing checks.” 16 respondents (4.3%) indicated this was a major issue, 29 (7.9%) indicated minor issue, 161 (43.8%) indicated not an issue, 13 (3.5%) indicated not sure, and 149 (40.5%) did not answer this question.
  
• “Assistance with insurance forms.” 30 respondents (8.2%) indicated this was a major issue, 34 (9.2%) indicated minor issue, 155 (42.1%) indicated not an issue, 11 (3.0%) indicated not sure, and 138 (37.5%) did not answer this question.
  
• “Home modifications (bath rails & ramps.)” 39 respondents (10.6%) indicated this was a major issue, 32 (8.7%) indicated minor issue, 149 (40.5%) indicated not an issue, 12 (3.3%) indicated not sure, and 136 (37%) did not answer this question.
  
• “In-home companion/relief caregiver.” 24 respondents (6.5%) indicated this was a major issue, 30 (8.2%) indicated minor issue, 148 (40.2%) indicated not an issue, 14 (3.8%) indicated not sure, and 152 (41.3%) did not answer this question.
  
• “Lack of services available in this area.” 47 respondents (12.8%) indicated this was a major issue, 33 (9%) indicated minor issue, 110 (29.9%) indicated not an issue, 12 (3.3%) indicated not sure, and 166 (45.1%) did not answer this question.
  

Comments from Respondents

Respondents were asked to give written comments about housing and services.

Other housing? (please explain):

• I live in my own home, and want to continue to live alone - 15 duplicate responses.
• Need more assistance for the elderly.
• I live alone, and come to the center once a week, and this is all I need.
• I will buy.
• Live in a high rise/or public housing - 3 duplicate responses.
• Have a daughter or someone live with me - 5 duplicate responses.
• Lifetime Dowry.
• I have nursing home insurance.
• Military retirement home.
• Need more earned income apartments with affordable rent.
• Individual/private apartments - 2 duplicate responses.
• Don’t know what the future will bring.
• Not interested now, looking at options.
• Need low cost housing with maintenance agreement, handicapped accessible, so seniors don’t have to go into a nursing home.
• Have a caretaker and Home Health check in the home.
• Government can’t pay for what we already have.

What do you like most about your senior center?

• Everything - 17 duplicate responses.
• Socialization, companionship, fellowship, friendship - 143 duplicate responses.
• Meals - 119 duplicate responses.
• Nurses - 2 duplicate responses.
• Good staff, management, always feel welcome - 7 duplicate responses.
• Activities, entertainment, different services provided - 19 duplicate responses.
• Convenient, don’t have to cook or eat by myself - 3 duplicate responses.
• Home delivered meals, the suggested donation - 2 responses.
• All the caring - 2 duplicate responses.
• Transportation - 3 duplicate responses.
• Fringe benefits - 3 duplicate responses.
• Blood pressure, blood sugar checks - 2 duplicate responses.
• Lawyers (who come to the site to assist).
• Gets me out of the house, close to home - 3 duplicate responses.

What could your senior center do differently?

• Transportation everyday - 4 duplicate responses.
• Provide better parking - 3 duplicate responses.
• Meals everyday, evening meals - 2 duplicate responses.
• More activities, entertainment, planned programs - 26 duplicate responses.
• It’s wonder, I love it - 7 duplicate responses.
• Nothing, I have no complaints - 28 duplicate responses.
• Better wheelchair accessible facilities - 2 duplicate responses.
• No comment - 3 duplicate responses.
• More variety of food, more chicken and dumplings - 9 duplicate responses.
• Better meals - 6 duplicate responses.
• Leave off chicken - 2 duplicate responses.
• More attendance, encourage elderly to attend - 2 duplicate responses.
• Need more volunteers - 3 duplicate responses.
• Stop people from taking food home.
• Music is too loud - 2 duplicate responses.
• No smoking.
• They perform heroically.
• Need cook on site.
• Larger meeting place.
• Eat at one time.
• Serve more vegetables, less sweets and sandwiches, more wheat bread - 6 duplicate responses.

Please list gaps in services or other concerns.

• Bathroom fixtures need replacing. Some staff could be more cooperative and caring.
• Kitchen Band at Herrin site.
• Better pay and insurance for home care services - 2 duplicate responses.
• Home care provider helps me stay in my own home and not have to go to nursing home.
• Too much deposit.
• I really don’t understand all of this.
• Please have transportation pick us up sooner.
• Check on the ones who really need help and drop the ones who are abusing the system.
• Free transportation to Paducah, Kentucky for doctor appointments and medications.
• Lack of adequate funding for services that are available.
• Getting minor repair work done around the house.
• Bring problems to the site.
• Quality of care in nursing homes. Lack of community support in senior programs. More Ombudsman or advocate groups for seniors.
• High cost of prescriptions and over charge by specialists and hospitals.
• We are fairly new to the area and find good services for the elderly.
• Someone to do yard work.
• Please make sure people in the rural areas are being served.
• Need more information on how gambling and cigarette taxes can be used for senior programs and education. Medicare, telemarketing fraud seminars.
• Not enough seniors are aware of services that the State’s Attorney and local law enforcement agencies have to offer.
• More control over high price of medications, specialists who charge large sums of money for office visits.
• Seniors need access to computer classes.

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Note: Services available in Southern Illinois are listed in our Resource Guide on Aging.

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