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LOS ANGELES, December 4, 2024 – Keiro announced the results of the community-wide survey focused on memory care services. The one-page summary is available to all community members. The results will help Keiro as it continues to explore development of board and care homes to support those affected by memory loss.
“While the vast majority of older adults prefer to age at home for as long as they can, the survey results show that community members understand a time may come when this is no longer possible and more advanced care is needed,” said Beverly Ito, Keiro President & CEO. “Additionally, ongoing health education and advance care planning, especially related to Alzheimer’s and other dementias, are areas where Keiro will continue its focus.”
Keiro’s intent to develop locally accessible and self-sustaining board and care homes is the culmination of a long history of thoughtful research, planning, and development. The process of successfully establishing the first board and care home includes multiple complex steps, including a property search, renovation, licensure, and staffing.
While Keiro is excited to announce this new endeavor and work towards opening the board and care home, the cornerstone of our mission remains the enhancement of the aging experience of older adults and caregivers as they live and thrive in their local communities.
Survey Background and Results
Following analysis of its 2023 community needs survey, in June of 2024, Keiro launched the next phase of its plan to develop financially viable, self-sustaining services for the community. This included a community-wide survey and focus groups with an emphasis on memory care and board and care homes. The survey was available online from June through September 2024 and was open to all community members. The survey was conducted in English and Japanese, with an option to request paper surveys. A separate invitation for the focus groups was sent to all individuals who signed up for the 2023 community needs survey.
Keiro received over 900 responses to the memory care survey. 79% of respondents completed the survey in English, and 21% completed the survey in Japanese.
85% of respondents expressed that they are moderately to very concerned about their cognitive health as they age, and noted that noticeable memory loss affecting daily activities, difficulty performing familiar tasks and/or managing finances, and increasing confusion about time and/or location would prompt them to seek a medical check-up.
Additionally, in the event of a diagnosis of a form of cognitive impairment, having a professional or paid caregiver was identified as the most preferred care option, followed by moving into a facility that can provide caregiving services.
For more information, frequently asked questions, and to view the survey results, visit keiro.org/survey. For any questions, contact 213.873.5700 or [email protected].
About Keiro
Founded in 1961, Keiro improves the quality of life for older adults and their caregivers in the Japanese American community of Los Angeles, Orange, and Ventura counties. Keiro provides a range of culturally-sensitive programs and resources, in both English and Japanese, to meet the evolving needs of our aging community. In everything we do, we advance our mission through a person-centered, innovative, and collaborative approach. To learn more, visit keiro.org.