Date: May 11, 2007
Contact: Barbara Schoof Conant
barbara.conant@aging.ks.gov
Director of Public Affairs
(785) 296-6154
The Kansas Department on Aging’s Lifelong Communities Initiative has received designation as a 2007 Choices for Independence Program Champion by the U.S. Administration on Aging. The honor is designed to highlight programs and initiatives that demonstrate the principles of the AoA’s strategy to rebalance and modernize health and long-term care for older persons and those with disabilities.
“As communities assess their suitability and compatibility for older or disabled citizens and address the issues they identify, they become more livable for everyone,” Secretary of Aging Kathy Greenlee said. “The public-private partnerships that happen as a result of the community collaborations are an added bonus.”
The Lifelong Communities Initiative assists Kansas communities to better plan for and serve elders through improved access to quality health care, an efficient transportation system, universal design housing for the continuum of life, community-based services and activities, and customer-friendly businesses.
The process involves a six-pronged self-assessment tool to identify strengths and opportunities for improvement in services and issues impacting elders. The six categories are government, community services, businesses, housing, transportation and health care. After the assessment, communities must develop their mission, vision and priorities, then develop an action plan and implement it. Each community completing the process will be designated Lifelong Community by KDOA.
KDOA partners with the local community’s steering committee and the Area Agency on Aging to provide training and technical assistance.
Currently nine communities are working toward certification as Lifelong Communities, with six more communities scheduled to start the process. The nine communities are Chase County, Concordia, Dodge City, Garden City, Great Bend, Hiawatha, Oberlin, Topeka and Winfield.
For more information about the Lifelong Communities Initiative, contact Blanche C. Parks, Senior Manager, at 785-296-4986 or BlancheParks@aging.state.ks.us.
The Administration on Aging website is www.aoa.gov.