The trend has been substantiated by SRPEDD, borne out in census reports, and become a reality for councils on aging throughout the Tri-Town area – the population is aging. And with that follows the need for greater resources and more services geared to supporting senior citizens as they attempt to age in place.
On March 22, the members of the Mattapoisett Finance Committee met with Jackie Coucci, director of the Mattapoisett Council on Aging, to discuss the department’s fiscal year 2019 budget and to take a closer look at the needs of an aging population.
Coucci discussed a survey that was conducted between July and August 2017 – a time when the highest number of seasonal homeowners would have returned to Mattapoisett – that asked seniors a variety of questions in an effort to determine how the COA could help as senior citizens strive to “maintain a happy, healthy lifestyle.”
While the survey asked basic questions such as age, gender, employment status, and living arrangement, it also delved into functional habits of living, such as overall health and mobility, transportation needs, finances, housing issues, and enrichment programing.
Of the 227 surveys completed, Coucci found the greatest concerns were lack of transportation options, ability to remain at home, and lack of affordable housing.
Citing statistics from the Town Clerk’s office, Coucci said that the 2017 data showed a total population of 6,570 with nearly half – 2,955 or 45% – aged 55 or older, and 35% of that group aged 60 or older.
“The survey was not just for the COA,” Coucci told the FinCom members, “it is for the town, the Planning Board, the Finance Committee…. It’s the pulse of the community.”
Coucci said, however, that she was concerned about reaching those seniors who are homebound. “How do we reach those at home to find out what their needs are?”
While the COA assists both year round and seasonal seniors, its services also have the affect of helping entire family units as younger folks seek programs and expertise for their older family members.
“People ask us about handymen and other types of hands-on services,” Coucci said, adding that the COA does have a list that has been crosschecked with the Better Business Bureau and Angie’s List, but ultimately it is the responsibility of the individual to make good decisions.
FinCom Chairman Pat Donoghue said, “I worry about people making good judgment about who they hire … I get concerned that we need to have resources to protect our seniors … That’s the kind of service I’d like to see.”
Town Administrator Michael Gagne added that, during a meeting of the Massachusetts Municipal Association, a discussion on aging populations identified Mattapoisett as ranking No. 1 in the entire Southcoast for percentage of seniors versus all other age groups.
“We need to address senior services,” he said.
As the meeting shifted to discussion of the FY19 budget projections, Donoghue pointed out that school enrollment continued to decline.
“We have a big change in demographics,” she said. “This is an opportunity to say we move allocation from the schools to the senior center.”
Regarding capital improvements, Coucci pointed to wheelchair access to the senior center located in the annex of Center School, an awning over the entranceway, and other renovations that would bring the center up to the 20th century. She also said relocating the public health nurse to available space on the first floor near the Recreation Department offices would free up space in the annex area for COA use. Coucci said presently there isn’t a space to have private conversations with those seeking assistance.
Staffing changes were also discussed as Coucci asked to increase the part-time administrative coordinator position to full-time status and a salary increase of $6,073 for her position. The current salary for the director’s position is $55,927. In support of this request, Coucci distributed a study she had conducted on the average salaries of COA directors in other towns including Marion and Rochester. Marion came in at $51,123, whereas Rochester was $84,000. Coucci said Rochester’s personnel set-up was different in that the director reported directly to the Board of Directors versus the selectmen or a town manager.
Gagne said Coucci currently is not employed via negotiated contract.
“Her job should be a contract negotiation,” Gagne said.
Mattapoisett’s COA overall budget proposal from FY19 stands at $169,192.
The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Finance Committee is scheduled for March 29 at 6:30 pm in the Town Hall conference room.
Mattapoisett Finance Committee
By Marilou Newell