The Bethesda Metro Area Village canvased residents within its neighborhood during June & July 2014. The purpose of the survey was to determine the level of interest in receiving senior services and in volunteering to help provide those services. A hardworking band of 40 BMAV volunteers personally visited and hand-delivered to each household the survey requesting feedback on their needs and interests. It also was emailed to local neighborhood list serves. By the end of July, 225 surveys had been completed and returned.
Highlights of the services identified as needed:
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66% of respondents need referral to pre-screened providers (e.g., house cleaning, plumber, handyman);
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40% are interested in connecting with neighbors through social events such as potlucks, lectures, films, and book clubs;
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39% would welcome handyman/odd job services by volunteers, e.g., for minor home repair; and
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32% are in need of electronic help, e.g., with computers, DVD’s, and smart phones.
Survey responses also showed a strong interest in volunteering to help neighbors in need:
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41% could provide daily telephone check-in and occasional friendly visiting;
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37% could provide absent residence assistance; and
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31% are willing to volunteer to provide transportation to medical appointments, shopping, or social events.
The complete summary of the survey results is included in the Documents section.