How to Conduct a Needs Assessment for an Area Agency on Aging

Local Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) are required to plan and fund services for older adults 60+, that include determining the needs for supportive services and evaluating the effectiveness of resources in meeting the determined needs. Efforts of AAAs to conduct needs assessments have been shown to fail to provide a representative picture of their community, especially of minority groups and other special subpopulations. Their attempts have been fraught with inconsistencies and deficiencies in processes of assessment, a lack of organized links between assessment goals and implementation methods, as well as sampling and methodological problems.

Methodology suggested by Hancock & Minkler (2008) was used to conduct a needs assessment of six counties for a KY AAA. The process utilized an empowering strategy of health promotion through an assessment of the community, by the community and for the community. The needs assessment was also guided by the socio-ecological model for prevention that addresses the interdependency between socio-economic, cultural, political, environmental, organizational, psychological and biological determinants of health.

Using non-contact methods, such as Census data analysis and a review of AAA current programs, policies and services; minimal-contact methods such as service density indicator analysis; and interactive contact methods such as surveys, face-to-face interviews, concept mapping, world cafes’ and a survey of community members (both available and marginalized) including existing clients the needs assessment provided a systematic approach that resulted in a clear picture of the needs of the AAA community leading to adequate planning for future social services.