Fort Walton Beach Council agenda — 11-27-2007 regular agenda — reading text

the process? 5. How can Communities for a Lifetime improve existing community planning efforts? Discussion Not~s 7  HOUSING Florida is recognized as one of the top retirement states in the nation. Every day, elders relocate here with and abundant hopes of spending their golden years enjoying the mild climate, beautiful natural resources recreational opportunities. The need for affordable housing for low- income and frail elders has reached critical levels. form Through the Communities for a Lifetime initiative, the Florida Department of Elder Affairs helps to innovative and effective partnerships in each community to help residents and leaders identify, assess and for best implement plans to fit their elder housing needs. The department is researching and advocating alike. practices in elder housing planning, design and construction to meet the needs of elders and youth Housing trends emphasize the need to design communities where quality-of-life issues and supportive services are provided throughout the life of an individual. It is the initiative's goal to revive key elements of the communities of yesteryear for our citizens and serve as a model retirement state. I Since its inception, the department' s Elderly Housing Unit has established formal partnerships with the Florida Housing Finance Corporation and the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration, and collaborated with organizationssuch as the Florida Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials. It has also facilitated the establishment of several affordable assisted living pilot projects across Florida to I address the assisted living needs of frail elders in rural, public housing and other underserved areas. The goal of the Elder Housing Unit is to provide outreach, information and referral, and stakeholder develop- ment and technical assistance for elders in the state of Florida. This is accomplished through the following: Maintaining and enhancing statewide outreach efforts to ensure the public and target populations are aware of affordable assisted living and affordable supportive housing that supports Medicaid and other public assistance programs and services, including how to access them via the Florida Afford- able Assisted Living Web site, www.f1oridaaffordableassisted1iving. org; Increasing and enhancing housing options that accommodate Medicaid waiver programs byeducat- and ing ~ommunities, housing financers and developers on the importance of supportive housing related, resources that facilitate aging place, living in at an optimal level of functioning and diverting clients from more intensive and expensive levels of care; Facilitating access to assisted living and other housing options that provide Medicaid and other public assistance programs and services by processing requests for information and assistance regarding long-term care resources for low-income frail elders and disabled adults; Developing and maintaining stakeholder collaboration with elder housing and service developers, providers, government agencies, consumer groups, communities and financers to address related is- sues, challenges and opportunities; and Facilitating affordable assisted living and supportive housing in underserved areas, supporting best 8 practices in the industry, piloting projects and demonstrations, and evaluating related efforts.  HOUSING SUGGested Team Members City and Regional Planners Assisted Livjng Facilities Growth Management Board of Realtors Representative Public Works Builders Association Planning Department City and County Housing Adult Family Care Homes Housing Agency and/ or Foundation Apartment Complex Representative Major Development Representative Ouestions 1. To what extent are architects and developers aware of the benefits of universal design? 2. What organizations provide home modification services? 3. What elder friendly housing options are available within your community? Be sure to include all naturally occurring retirement communities (NORCs), apartment complexes, independent living communities, assisted living facilities, adult family care homes, continuing care retirement communities and nursing homes. I., 4. What means are available for securing appropriate living arrangements after a person can no longer access needed goods and services, prepare meals, or do household chores? 5. ln what ways do tax structures and zoning laws accommodate the needs of senior homeowners and caregivers offrail elders? Discussion Notes 9  i TRANSPORTATION Mobility and accessibility are essential for independent living, and transportation is the link that allows access to needed services and activities. Transportation plays a vital role in the lives of elder Floridians, and no single solution can meet all the mobility needs of Florida' s senior population - rather, a variety of services and systems are necessary to do so effectively. Community design profoundly influences consumer mobility decisions. Participating Communities for a Lifetime are realizing through their visioning efforts that other mobility options such as sidewalks, bike lanes, and safe crosswalks are notjust" extras:' but essential investments in the health and safety of their residents of all ages. f These communities are providing opportunities for residents to be active and safe, which not only enriches their quality of life, but also improves health and increases longevity. In addition, steps to improve the I environment for older adults are beneficial to others as well. For example, making sidewalks and crosswalks safe.and accessible helps not only older residents, but also peopl~ using wheelchairs, parents pushing I. strollers and young children walking to school. I The Florida Department of Elder Affairs' multi- solution transportation policy recommends that local ITNs work with communities consider the development of Independent Transportation Networks (lTNs). localtransportationproviders to develop and expand elder friendly transportation, and encourage the development of alternative providers. The policy also supports the recommendations of the Alzheimer' s Disease Advisory Committee's recommendations on dementia and driving. The department' s efforts also include continued partnerships and ongoing collaboration with other state agencies including the Department of Transportation (Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged and tbe Elder Road User Program) and the Department of Highway Safety and MotorVehicles (Florida- At- Risk Driver Council and GrandDriver Program). Many opportunities exist for adults to assess and refresh their driving skills. The department supports driver assessment centers and organizations that help older persons maintain their safe driving ability for as long as possible. Increased mobility allows seniors, Florida' s most valuable resource, to continue making valuable financial and social contributions to the state, and to remain in their community for a lifetime. 10  TRANSPORTATION Su ested Team Members eAARP- 55 Alive Program eNighborJ; 1o d Associations eAirport Manager Public Mass Transit Providers Local Transportation Providers eSafety Resource Center Questions 1. What alternative transportation options are available? Provide contact information, hours of operation, routes, service areas, eligibility requirements and costs. 2. What public transportation is available? 3. What routes, service areas and costs are available? How much time is needed for travel? 4. What are the senior friendly features of private transportation providers? 5. What programs are available to assist older adults with assessing their own driving abilities? Discussion Notes 11  t. HEALTH AND WELLNESS Improvements in medicine, public health, science and technology have enabled today's older adults to live longer and healthier lives than previous generations. Older adults want to remain healthy and independent at home in their communities. Health promotion, disease prevention, and injury prevention activities and programs are a priority for older adults, their families and the health care system. The Department of Elder Affairs offers health promotion programs that help older adults understand how their lifestyles and family health histories impact their physical and mental health, and help them develop personal practices that enhance their total well being. The state c~ ntracts with area agencies on aging throughout Florida and works with other partners to provide health and wellness programs around the state. I The Older Americans Act requires area agencies on aging to provide evidence- based programs, including fitness, nutrition, disease prevention and self-management programs. The goal of these programs is to change attitudes and behavior that promote health and well being for older adults. Statewide use of these I programs will improve seniors' quality of life, reduce health