Washoe County Master Plan for Aging Services

About the Program

Category: Planning (Best in Category)

Year: 2014

In June 2013, Washoe County Department of Senior Services launched a year-long planning process to identify what community services would support “aging-in-place” for its rapidly growing senior population, and avoid costly long-term care institutionalization, which is partially funded by County Indigent Funds, NRS 428. Senior Services is mandated by the 1985 Senior Citizens ad valorem Tax Fund Ballot Measure and by County Code, but is not a State mandate. However, the pressure on local services from the growing population of seniors was clear, and inspired the Board of County Commissioners to direct the Department to create a Master Plan for Aging Services. One hallmark of the Master Plan is extensive community involvement; more than 700 consumers and providers were engaged to identify needs and implementation strategies. Twelve key service priorities were identified. And, with the creation of a proposed new Washoe County Human Services Agency, funds are being leveraged for the implementation of aging service priorities. As a consequence of the Master Plan, two hundred more Home Delivered Meals are being served daily, the first increase since 1992. Also, with transportation being the highest priority, a consortium has been formed and is the basis for a proposed volunteer operated system and estimated $500,000 service expansion fund. Staff and county resources have been redirected to support the expanded County case management services, nursing services and Day Break, an adult day health program. A new Veterans Service Office, provided through a subcontract, has been established. All of these efforts have been undertaken during a period of fiscal constraint without additional county funds.