This report summarizes findings from three surveys on several topics related to the infrastructure and safety preparedness of the cities in which Orange County older adults live; local social activities and health and support services available to them; challenges faced when trying to access various services for older adults; and older adults’ sense of belonging and connectedness to their communities. While these results cannot be assumed to generalize to all older adults or populations within Orange County, the current findings nevertheless provide valuable glimpses into the perspectives of the older adults, their caregivers and the providers who responded to the surveys. In turn, community organizations, stakeholders, the public and the County of Orange may find it helpful to consider these perspectives as they 1) evaluate how their respective services and programs are meeting – or could be modified to meet – different areas of need identified by the survey respondents and 2) contemplate next steps in data collection and information gathering as the County of Orange and its partners embark on the development of the OCMPA.
As most of the participants felt the County’s role was to “provide a safety net covering basic human needs,” “be an educator” and/or “be a facilitator,” the community’s preferred role for the County is to help coordinate and lead efforts as opposed to taking “the lead in all aspects.” Partnerships with community-based organizations (CBO’s) will be identified, as well as opportunities to empower CBO’s and agencies to find innovative ways to meet the needs of older adults that go above and beyond County of Orange safety net services. The County’s intent to deepen its partnerships with community-based organizations that are active in serving older adults and caregivers will not only help make the OCMPA a true partnership with the community, but also increase local economic resilience and investment. Finally, the County is positioned to advocate for additional state and federal funding sources to support the development, implementation and sustainability of strategies that will be identified in the OCMPA.
Importantly, the OCMPA will be developed with the understanding that it can and should evolve as needed. The County of Orange is committed to regularly reviewing and incorporating, where appropriate, emerging trends and data reported by the California Master Plan for Aging, ultimately helping Orange County communities ensure that they foster safe, healthy and fulfilling places for older adults today and in the generations to come.
