OKEECHOBEE -- Okeechobee County seniors are happy with the services provided by the county, according to the 2023 Senior Services client survey presented at the Dec. 12 meeting of the Okeechobee County Commission. However, the survey also found many seniors struggle with food insecurity.

At the Dec. 12 meeting of the Okeechobee County commission, Senior Services Director Debra Austin said she is extremely proud of her staff.

Food insecurity is a recurring problem for the county’s low-income seniors, she said. For those on the meals program, more than half depend on the meal provided by the county for at least 75% of their nutrition for the day.

Monday through Friday, Senior Services provides meals at the Young at Heart Senior Center  and delivers meals to homebound seniors. Austin said some volunteers have been paying out of their own pockets to provide some clients with food bags for the weekend. She said they are sometimes able to obtain additional food for the clients from Treasure Coast Food Bank.

Community Services Director Denise Whitehead said the senior center now has a container garden. Clients enjoy gardening at the center and take home produce they grow.

Survey results

The In-Home Services surveys are designed to measure client satisfaction with their in-home providers, contracted Nurse Registries. The results this year indicate:

• 89% of clients receiving Homemaking, Personal Care and/or Respite reported always being satisfied with the pattern and hours of in-home services they receive.
• 94% are satisfied with their agency/worker.
• 100% reported an overall satisfaction rating for our in-home services.

Meals: The Home Delivered Meal Surveys provide insight into the quality of the meals and the service provided. Completed surveys provided the following information:

• 98% feel the meals are important to their overall health and well-being.
• 55% feel they would not be able to safely remain in their home without the meals.
• 53% reported the meal represents 75% or more of their daily nutritional intake.
• 84% are satisfied with the taste, variety and amount of food provided by their meals.
• 81% reported the meals enable them to eat healthier, feel better, and maintain a healthy weight.
• 100% of clients are happy with their driver.

Other data collected, which highlights the struggles that many of seniors are facing today, includes:

• 66% struggle to buy the food they need.
• 18% had to choose between food and buying medicine.
• 38% had to choose between food and paying bills.
• 26% skipped a meal due to lack of money or food.

Congregate dining: Clients attending the Young at Heart Center of Okeechobee were asked to complete surveys based on the nutrition of meals served, activities at the center, and staff.

• 100% find the center to be clean and attractive.
• 90% strongly agreed that the staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and responsive to their needs.
• 100% of clients are satisfied with the meals and activities at the center.

“Each day, Senior Services strives to meet the needs of our clients and these surveys show that overall, our clients not only benefit from our services but are also pleased with the services we provide,” said Austin. “We will continue to serve our clients, their families and caregivers to the best of our ability as we assist them in remaining in their homes during their aging years.”