Kentucky

Elder

Readiness

Initiative

Area Agency on Aging

			What is the Kentucky Elder Readiness Initiative?
		The Kentucky Elder Readiness Initiative (KERI) seeks to develop information and provide support to Kentucky’s communities so that elders and their families are provided with the opportunity to age in place and enjoy the highest possible quality of life for the longest time. Kentucky’s demographics will begin to change rapidly as Baby Boomers begin entering retirement. People are living longer, healthier lives and have needs and wants that have implications across all aspects of society including; health care, recreation, transportation, education, economy, housing, and business.

General Information on Focus Groups

KERI will be holding 2 focus groups and 1 community forum in all 15 Area Development Districts. The dates and times for each event has been scheduled and can be seen on the KERI calendar you received as part of this e-mail.

There are two focus groups to be held; one for community leaders and public officials, and the other for providers. A listing of potential invitees and KERI domains is included in this packet. Each ADD will be responsible for identifying and inviting focus group participants, hosting the focus group event, and providing light refreshments. Each focus group should have no less than six and no more than ten participants. Two members of the KERI team will facilitate the focus groups and will bring with them all necessary equipment.

The purpose of the KERI focus groups is to identify critical issues related to preparing our community for 2030 when the full impact of the aging baby boomer population will be felt in communities across the Commonwealth. An effort should be made to carefully select individuals that can represent both the geographic diversity of your ADD as well as perspectives related to the 4 domains. Please identify and formally invite potential participants early and expect that not all people will be able to attend. This toolkit contains two sample letters that may be customized and sent to invitees as well as a contact information sheet that you may elect to use. In order to prepare focus group invitees for their participation we suggest and encourage you to provide them with information regarding KERI as well as state and local data and or statistics for their review. The Kentucky State and ADD fact sheets as well as the KERI brochure are examples of the types of documents that should be shared with invitees prior to the focus group date.

General Information on Community Forums

KERI will hold one community forum in all 15 Area Development Districts. The dates and times for each event has been scheduled and can be seen on the KERI calendar you received as part of this e-mail.

The Community Forum is an opportunity for the public to meet, share, and discuss issues relevant to aging in their community and region. There is no limitation on who can attend the forum. It is expected that at least 25 people be present for the Community Forum. Formal invitations can be sent to key individuals. The forum is also an opportunity to increase community awareness about aging. Please make an effort to publicly announce the community forum. You may advertise in local media outlets, notify churches, civic groups, and other organizations or post the information on your web page.

Kentucky River ADD will be responsible for community forum recruitment, providing the space, and for light refreshments.

Focus Group meeting of Community Leaders will be

Thursday August 3, 2006 at KRADD Boardroom-10:00 am

Refreshments provided

Community Forum will be August 3, 2006 at

Hazard Community College First Federal Center

Room 123-A Dinner will be 5:30 pm and forum will be

From 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm

Focus Group meeting of Elected Officials/Community Partnerships

Friday August 4, 2006 at KRADD Boardroom 11:00 am

Refreshments provided