Valley Senior Needs

We've got some work to do. Together, we can make a big difference for seniors living in the central Shenandoah Valley.

WHY THIS MATTERS:

The population of the older adult community in the Shenandoah Valley is on the rise, with the segment of adults age 75+ growing twice as fast as households overall.

The segment of adults age 75+ is growing twice as fast as households overall.

Last year, Bridgewater Retirement Community partnered with Valley Program for Aging Services and Holleran, an independent consulting and research firm, to identify the needs facing seniors living in Harrisonburg, Rockingham, and Augusta.

How equipped is our community to handle the needs of an aging population? What are the challenges facing seniors today? And what are the challenges they’ll be facing five years from today?

This comprehensive study offers a robust overview of the current status of older adults and identifies problem areas our community needs to address to prepare for the next generation of seniors.

Now, we’re partnering with organizations from across the Valley to work together to address these challenges.

KEY FINDINGS

The results of the Senior Community Needs Assessment revealed three key findings.

Affordable Housing

Access to affordable housing is declining. Too many seniors are forced to choose between paying rent or paying for medicine, doctors’ appointments, food, or transportation.

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Health Care Navigation

Rockingham County faces critical shortages of health care providers. Plus, seniors are left at the mercy of a complex bureaucracy when trying to access care.

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Social Isolation

Seniors in our community who face isolation—from friends, family, loved ones, and community groups—are at a greater risk for illness and cognitive decline.

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MEET THE VALLEY SENIOR SUCCESS COALITION

We know we can do better. Our coalition is made up of leaders from the following organizations and more. All are committed to improving the Shenandoah Valley’s capacity for healthy aging.

Valley Senior Needs