TCOA’s mission is to promote and preserve the independence and dignity of the aging population. This mission is at the core of all programs and services the agency provides in its service area and the foundation of the agency’s 2017-2019 Multi-Year Plan. The priorities identified in this Plan were developed with input from consumers, Board Members, Advisory Council and a team of staff members including directors from various departments. Input from consumers was collected through a needs assessment process initiated in February. Through a series of community forums and surveys, information was gathered on how the agency can better serve older adults in the community. Press releases regarding the dates, times and locations of the community forums were communicated with local news organizations. Finally, two public hearings were held to solicit input. The public hearings were announced at TCOA’s Advisory Council and Administrative Board April meetings and posted on TCOA’s website, Facebook page and also posted in community newspapers.
The Multi-Year Plan provides a blueprint for what TCOA intends to accomplish over the next three years. Proposed services to be provided under the area plan include Supportive Services, Congregate Meals, Home Delivered Meals, Caregiver Supports, Preventative Health, Elder Abuse Prevention, Access Services, In-Home Services, Respite Care, Ombudsman Services and work to secure recognition of at least one Community For a Lifetime designation in the tri-county area. Strategic planning and prioritizing is essential in continuing to provide quality person-centered programs and services in an efficient and effective way. This means prioritizing services to the most vulnerable individuals who are at-risk of institutional placement.
Kate Long
Plannner
Tri-County Office on Aging