Introduction
- Description of community
Survey of Community Services
Interview (Six People)
Comment on whether responses are consistent with policy expectations
Conclusion
- Summary on negative and positive aspects-Quality of Life
Abstract
This presentation embraces a discussion of Lakewood, NJ community and services available for older adults. It embodies a description of the community; an investigation into whether these services are accessible to the elderly; interviews with stakeholders and conclusions regarding equality of life for the elderly in Lakewood, NJ community.
Introduction
Description of community
Lakewood Township is a community that can be found in Ocean County, New Jersey, United States. The New Jersey Legislature Act of March 23, 1892, incorporated Lakewood with Brick Township. In 1929 Howell Township in Ocean County became a part of that geographic location as well. The community is known to contain large portions of Orthodox Jews and one of the largest yeshivas in the world. With half of the population being Jewish, political analysts have discovered that they are a strong force during voting in the general elections (Sheskin & Dashefsky, 2012).
The 2010 United States Census estimated the population to be 92,843. This showed a marked increase form 60, 352 to 32,491 (+53.8%) when 2000 Census figures were compared. Analysts have assumed that the Orthodox Jewish and Latino influx is responsible for this sudden population growth. There were 24,283 households with 17,362 families. A population density of 3,777.7 per square miles exists within this location. This township is also the seventh-most-populated municipality in the state as of 2010 US census reports (US Census, 2012).
When an evaluation of the ethic composition was done 84.33% (78,290) of the population were found to be white; 6.35% (5,898) Black or African American, 0.30% (276) Native American, 0.84% (777) Asian, 0.02% (14) Pacific Islander, 6.68% (6,199) from other races, and 1.50% (1,389) from two or more races was discovered. Hispanic or Latino of any race was 17.30% (16,062) of the population. 24,283 households contained 43.2% had children under the age of 18 and under; 58.5% were married couples in one home, 9.1% were female headed households with no husband , and 28.5% were non-families; 24.6% were single people and 16.4% accounted for elderly 65 and older living alone. The estimated average household size is 3.73. Household’s size containing families is 4.49 (US Census, 2012).
According to 2010 reports the median household income was estimated at $41,527 with a margin of error +/- $1,797. Median family income was $45,420 and margin of error calculation (+/- $2,296). Male median income was $39,857 (+/- $4,206) versus $32,699 (+/- $2,365) for females per capita township income was $16,430 (+/- $565). An estimated amount of 21.9% families were living below the poverty line. Generally, when evaluating the entire population 26.1% were below the poverty line. This showed a distribution of 36.0% under age 18 and 5.7% over age 65 (US Census, 2012).
Besides, from investigation there are adequate emergency medical services, schools, recreational facilities. Social infrastructure is solidly engraved in the Judaism and dominant political representation. Physical infrastructure displays traditional architecture with a few modern variations. Disaster preparedness management is under the New Jersey public health administration. Transportation services are managed by the New Jersey Transit (Workforce, 2009).
Survey of Community Services (Lakewood)
The survey conducted revealed that Lakewood Community Services corporation caters for all categories and ages of people within that geographic location. This is conducted through youth programs; after school mentoring; youth group interactions; day care programs for children and activities persons with disability. There is also counseling and case management by Licensed Social Workers. Other services include information referrals in cases of domestic violence, financial assistance for utility payments, advocacy and crises intervention (Lakewood Community Service. Corp, 2013).
Additional programs include economic development which assists in Urban Enterprise Zone programs, Microloans and Job Placement. Bilingual services help in the ESL training; Community Building endeavoring to build bridges between Lakewood and neighboring communities. Specifically, for the elderly there is the meals-on-wheels program; caregiver support intervention; education in health care; recreational facilities; special transportation services, and socialization activities. This organization also recruits volunteers; train and offer job placements (Lakewood Community Service. Corp, 2013)
Elder Care Channel is a government agency, which caters for seniors. Programs include councils on aging, area agencies on aging (AAA), social services departments, Medicare and Medicaid counseling services and veterans’ benefits services (The Elder Care Channel, 2013).The State of New Jersey department of health is also a service provider for the elderly within Lakewood. This agency offers assistance particularly in staying healthy; getting assistance at home and staying safe (State of New Jersey Department of Health, 2013).
Community Services Inc. of Ocean County Lakewood New Jersey is a non-profit organization, which provides services to the elderly. They include nutrition education; caregiver support; recreational tours; games, exercises and social grouping interactions (Community Services Inc, 2013).
Community Services Table
Interview (Six People) and comment on whether
responses are consistent with policy expectations
Of the three elderly people interviewed two were from one household, a couple 70 year old male and 66 year old female. The older adult was a 72 year old female community worker. Mr. and Mrs. A.J knew about the government services provided by the State of New Jersey department of health, but were no aware of the other three mentioned in the survey. Mrs. N.M did not know about any agency, but expressed dissatisfaction over having Medicare only Part ‘A’ due to the insurance coverage from her job. None of these clients used any of the services that were available because they said that they did not need them. However, if they needed them they would utilize the services.
Two health care professionals, a nurse and doctor, as well as an assitedlivi9ng facility administrator were interviewed. Together they environed an increasing aging population in the future. From 2010 census figures Lakewood over 65 age population living alone accounted for 16.4% with just 5.7% below the poverty line. As such, the assisted living facility manger did not see the need for more such facilities emerging. Hence, the elderly can be considered capable and with adequate healthcare and services more of them would be able to support themselves alone in their homes.
Consequently, the health care professionals believe that this growing elderly population would not become a detriment to the society since they would be still employable. In cases of ill health the state they all agreed should be supportive to pay since these people have contributed taxes towards their upkeep in senior years. These expressions in my opinion are quite consistent with polices of aging in America.
Conclusion
Summary of negative/positive impacts on quality of life.
The situation in Lakewood is indicative of an affluence prosperous upper class society. This upper class dominance has emerged from the Jewish influence and frugality. Clearly this impacts the quality of life positively. More elderly people are independent and enjoy a very high quality of life to equip them with resources for later life experiences. Employment, financial stability and class integration are social determinates of health. As it is there seems to be very little or no negative impacts on quality of life in Lakewood since it is my belief that poverty of any kind could be eradicated from this society.
References
Community Services Inc. (2013). Lakewood. Retrieved on February, 12th, 2013 from
http://www.americantowns.com/nj/lakewood/organization/community-services-inc-of-
ocean-count
Lakewood Community Services Corp (2013). Helping People: One Person at a Time. Retrieved
on 12th February, 2013 from http://lakewoodcs.com/
Sheskin, I., Dashefsky, A. (2012). Jewish Population in the United States, 2011. Mandel
Berman Institute. North American Jewish Data Bank
The Eldercare Channel ( 2013). Government services Located in Lakewood NJ. Retrieved on
12th February, 2013 from
http://www.eldercarechannel.com/directory/NJ/Lakewood/category/government-services
The New Jersey State Department of Health (2013). Aging and Community Services. Retrieved
on 12th February, 2013 from http://www.state.nj.us/health/senior/index.shtml
US Census Bureau (2012). Census Estimates for New Jersey April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2011.
United States Census Bureau. Retrieved on 11th February, 2013 from
http://www.census.gov/popest/data/cities/totals/2011/files/SUB-EST2011_34.csv
Workforce (2009). New Jersey Resident Population by Municipality 1930 – 1990. New Jersey
Public Information Network. Retrieved on 11th February, 2013 from
http://web.archive.org/web/20090502173646/http://www.wnjpin.net/OneStopCareerCenter/Labo
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