Commission Calls for More Senior Services

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Category: News

Created on Friday, 07 February 2025 15:27

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By SHANNON HAUGLAND
Sentinel Staff Writer
    Sitka Health Needs and Human Services Commission has presented recommendations to the Assembly urging improvements to services for elders, and recognizing their contributions to the community.
    The commission submitted its recommendations at the Jan. 28 Assembly meeting following its report on child care needs.
    “Despite the City’s current efforts through tax exemptions, grants, and recreational programming, challenges remain in the coordination of services, limited resources, and accessibility of services for the elderly,” the commission said in the summary of its report.
    Member Crystal Duncan presented six recommendations related to elders, following a report from the commission on goals for improving accessibility and affordability of child care in the community.
    The report, titled “Our Elders, Our Strength: Building Supportive Connections,” highlighted the services as well as the gaps, with goals for improvements in services for the elderly.
    Compared with services in similar Alaskans communities, “it seems our city does an adequate job in addressing many of the problems identified in (this) report,” the commission said.
    “However, after the time we dedicated to reviewing the strategic plan, looking to other community’s best practices, and hearing from those in the community who offer elder programming, we have suggested additional recommendations that can be implemented to enhance the service level to our elderly population,” the report said.
    The commission’s recommendations include:
    –– launching a biannual elder services awareness campaign to call attention to and celebrate the contributions of seniors.
    –– increasing non-profit grant awards to enhance community support. The requested amount of grants from nonprofits this year was $177,000, for the available $45,000.
    –– hosting annual elder resource events in collaboration with local organizations,
    –– creating a halftime position in the Parks and Recreation Division to ensure the coordination of services.
    –– incorporating elder care as a priority in the 2027 Strategic Plan for long-term sustainability. “Establishing this as an ongoing focus will allow the Borough to regularly assess and address the needs of its aging population, allocate resources effectively, and enhance the quality of care for elderly residents.”
    “By adopting these recommendations, the City and Borough of Sitka can ensure its elderly residents receive the care, respect, and opportunities they deserve,” the summary says.
    “Strengthening elder care services will not only enhance the quality of life for elders and also benefit the broader community by fostering intergenerational connections and creating a more inclusive environment.”