State of Missouri launches statewide needs assessment survey, seeks input from residents

The State of Missouri announced the launch of a comprehensive needs assessment survey of older adults, adults with disabilities and unpaid caregivers.

Postcards inviting eligible residents to take the survey were sent to over 158,000 randomly selected households across the state of Missouri. Households that receive an invitation are asked to follow the enclosed instructions and complete the survey. 

In addition, all Missouri residents who are age 50+, living with a disability or providing unpaid care to another adult are encouraged to take the survey online by visiting polco.us/missouri24. This survey will be available online in English, Spanish, simplified Chinese, German, French and Arabic. Anyone unable to complete the survey online can call 855-773-0665 to submit responses over the phone, request a paper survey, or schedule time to complete the survey with in-person assistance.

“We encourage all eligible residents to take the survey. The more people who participate, the better data we will have to inform state and regional planning,” MARC Aging and Adult Services Director Kristi Bohling-DaMetz said. “This is an opportunity for older residents, those with a disability and caregivers in our community to share their thoughts and shape the future of aging in the Kansas City region and across Missouri.” 

The survey, developed in collaboration with National Research Center at Polco, gathers insight into residents’ experiences with accessibility, physical and mental health, employment and financial hardship, housing, transportation and other factors affecting their ability to live and age with dignity. Survey results will help identify the greatest challenges and needs for older adults, adults with disabilities and unpaid caregivers in each area. 

This public input will inform Missouri’s Master Plan on Aging and the development of related policies, initiatives and community programs throughout the state. For more information on the master plan, visit health.mo.gov/seniors/masterplanaging.

All residents are encouraged to share the survey with their local networks to ensure these upcoming plans meet the needs of Missouri’s entire population.

Participants’ responses will be kept confidential, and personal information will be securely stored by Polco. Residents’ individual data and votes are never shared.