18. Community Supports
As a focus of ATW, community supports are services and assistance that allow for independent living. A network of accessible supports is essential in allowing people to get quality services and needed assistance in a manner consistent with their community living preferences.
Most older Texans felt they had the supports and services they needed to help them live independently in their community. Having supports and services did not change from
2004 to 2008.
Table 18.1 Having Supports and Services
| Do you agree or disagree? |
Strongly agree |
Somewhat agree |
Somewhat disagree |
Strongly disagree |
Total |
| Survey year 2004: I feel that I have the supports and services that I need to help me
live on my own in my community |
62% |
27% |
7% |
5% |
100% |
| Survey year 2008: I feel that I have the supports and services that I need to help me
live on my own in my community |
64% |
26% |
5% |
5% |
100% |
In Texas, 28 AAA's plan, coordinate, and advocate for a comprehensive service-delivery system that addresses older Texans' short and long-term needs. In both 2004 and 2008 only 33 percent of older Texans had heard about Area Agency on Aging programs.
The 2-1-1 system was designed to provide consumers with a simple, easy-to-remember number to call when they need help accessing health and human services. In the 2004 survey, only eight percent of those surveyed were aware of 2-1-1. Since then, major efforts have been made to raise awareness of the 2-1-1. In 2008 this awareness increased to 20 percent, a statistically significant finding.
Forty-nine percent stated they were aware of specific organizations in their community to assist with daily living needs. Only four percent had ever attempted to obtain direct assistance from a support service that would help them live independently in the community.
For those four percent who actively sought assistance and support from the community, the first attempt was made to a variety of sources.
Table 18.2 Where Sought Assistance
| Where id you FIRST seek assistance? |
Percent of respondents 2004 |
Percent of respondents 2008 |
| State Agency |
37% |
44% |
| County or City government |
21% |
6% |
| Area Agency on Aging |
11% |
0% |
| Non-profit provider (Family Eldercare,
United Way) |
5% |
17% |
| Private pay provider |
11% |
6% |
| Other, specify |
16% |
28% |
| Total |
100% |
100% |
Of those who sought help, most were satisfied.
Table 18.3 Satisfaction with Ability to Get Help in the Community
| "How satisfied are you with…" |
Very satisfied |
Somewhat satisfied |
Somewhat dissatisfied |
Very dissatisfied |
Total |
| Survey year 2004: Your ability to get help |
48% |
33% |
0% |
19% |
100% |
| Survey year 2008: Your ability to get help |
59% |
23% |
9% |
9% |
100% |
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Updated:
April 11, 2012
