San Luis Obispo County is unprepared to meet the needs of its aging population, according to a report initiated by Jimmy Paulding, who is running for District 4 County Supervisor.
The Paulding report, “High-Value Opportunities for Improving the Lives of SLO County’s Older Adults,” was released Thursday and is available at slocountyseniors.org.
“SLO County’s fastest-growing population segment is 65 and older,” Paulding said. “These are the people who helped make our region such a great place to work and live. But the services, housing and care they need to preserve a good quality of life are severely limited.”
Paulding noted that the lack of services is coupled with rising rent costs. The pandemic has heightened anxiety and increased isolation, worsening the situation.
“All of this was a problem pre-pandemic, but now it’s in clearer focus,” Paulding said. “This situation affects older adults at every economic level,” he said. “While many of the solutions require action at the state or national level, this report outlines actions we can take at the county level to improve services.”
The Paulding report was prepared by a group of local experts who identified these priorities for local action:
- Increase awareness of existing services for older adults.
- Expand care management and adult day programs.
- Increase housing options for seniors at every economic level.
- Connect older adults through technology.
- Assist older adults with transportation.
The authors of the Paulding report, which can be found HERE are:
- Linda Beck, lawyer and patient advocate, principal of Nipomo-based Square One Elder and Health Advocacy.
- Alexandra Morris, Arroyo Grande-based Certified Professional Geriatric Care Manager.
- Anne Wyatt, Executive Director, SmartShare Housing Solutions, Board Member, San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara County Area Agency for Aging (AAA)
“I’ve been meeting one-on-one with hundreds of seniors,” said Paulding, who is currently on the Arroyo Grande City Council. “They are very clear about their needs. They are dealing with an array of issues that we in government can actually help to address.
“I reached out to these experts to help us identify specific ways to help this growing population. “My objective was to set the stage for us to help our older adult population, those who care about them, and those who care for them,” Paulding said. “I’m very grateful to Linda Beck, Alexandra Morris and Anne Wyatt for their considerable expertise, and for their many volunteer hours to produce this analysis.”