Westchester County is conducting a federally mandated survey to help plan for the needs of its seniors from 2012 – 2015, and is asking county residents of all ages (including care givers, people who work with seniors and seniors themselves) to take part.
The Department of Senior Programs and Services (DSPS) will compile the data and include it in a larger report that will be sent to the New York State Office for the Aging to set policies and priorities for the four-year period. The state, in turn, will forward the findings to the federal Administration on Aging as mandated under
the Older Americans Act.
To complete the survey, visit www.westchestergov.com/seniors and click the link for “Priority Pulse.”
The deadline to respond is Sept. 30.
The survey asks two questions on 21 topics that range from affordable housing to health care, financial planning, mental health counseling and transportation. The questions all follow the same format in each category.
In the “affordable housing” category, for example, the first question asks respondents to indicate if they currently have “no” need for such housing, or a “low,” “moderate” or ”significant” need. The second question asks them to check off one of those four answers for their anticipated needs in the future.
There is also room for respondents to write in any additional thoughts, especially if the survey does not ask about an issue that is important to them. All replies are anonymous.
“We want to hear your voice,” said DSPS Commissioner Mae Carpenter. “We must ensure that the interests of our constituents are considered as we develop our programs and services. Please take the time to complete this important survey about your current needs and anticipated challenges. You don’t have to answer all the questions but respond to as many as you can.”