Identifying Our Needs: A Survey of Elders

By Jordan Dionne, BBA

The National Resource Center for Native American Aging (NRCNAA) is happy to announce that we are nearing the completion of the data analysis for our eighth cycle of the “Identifying Our Needs: A Survey of Elders VIII” needs assessment survey. To date, 196 sites and over 20,000 Elders completed the survey that satisfies the Administration on Community Living/Administration on Aging (ACL/AoA) Elder needs assessment requirement for the Title VI grants (Fiscal Years 2023-2026). We will continue to take survey requests and provide data analysis until March 31, 2023 for cycle eight.

Meeting Challenges

Due to the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in addition to the essential operations of services, there were also challenges for Title VI programs with the collection of needs assessments. Rethinking how to provide services while prioritizing the health and safety of their tribal members, many programs continued to apply safety measures, such as routine COVID-19 testing, temperature and symptom checks, mask requirements, vaccinations, and contactless meal deliveries. The NRCNAA recognizes and commends all front-line workers who continued to provide services and support to the elders in our communities throughout the pandemic.

Cycle Nine Survey

In the upcoming months, the needs assessment survey will be updated for the next Title VI grant application (FY26 through FY29). The new survey will continue to include questions for each of the major categories from previous cycles, such as general health status, healthcare access, diet, nutrition and exercise, social support patterns and housing, and social functioning. However, we will make changes to each category based on group discussions and participant feedback received.

Along with the survey instrument, the NRCNAA team remains committed to offering technical support that includes assistance with sampling, data entry, and analysis. Thank you once again for your participation and we look forward to building stronger friendships and partnerships throughout the upcoming years!