A Needs Assessment of Elderly Hispanics in an Inner City Senior Citizen Complex: Implications for Practice

Abstract

In an effort to provide better services to a specific ethnic population, a study was undertaken to determine the needs of elderly Hispanics in the Tampa Bay area. Items of inquiry included perceived needs, awareness/knowledge of community services, and extent to which the community is meeting their needs. A questionnaire was developed by a bilingual team and administered in Spanish to 45 elderly residents (62-85 years of age) of an inner city retirement facility in a predominantly Hispanic neighborhood. The results show service gaps in the areas of health, finance and specific tasks of daily living. The majority of respondents were unaware of most community resources and many were reluctant to use any services because of "pride, " communication difficulties and the fear of being poorly received. The problem areas are discussed and recommendations made vis-à-vis assessment of ethnic groups and service delivery to such diverse populations.