1

Franklin County Aging Plan

2

Franklinton Senior Center Senior Center of Excellence 602 East Mason Street PO Box 411 Franklinton, NC 27525 Phone: 919-494-5611

Louisburg Senior Center Senior Center of Excellence 127 Shannon Village Louisburg, NC 27549 Phone: 919-496-1131

3

The Kerr Tar Area Agency on Aging is an organization working within federal mandate to

inform, advocate and plan for community based services on behalf of older adults. The Area

Agency on Aging is part of the National Network set in place by the Older Americans Act of

1965.

The Area Agency on Aging is a department within the Kerr Tar Regional Council of

Governments, a regional planning organization that serves 21 local governments in a five

county area of Triangle North. Members include Franklin, Granville, Person, Vance and Warren

counties and the 16 cities and towns within those counties.

The Area Agency on Aging staff works with advisory committees in each county to study the

needs of older adults and plan for services to meet those needs. The service goal is to enable

older adult’s age 60 and better to live independently in their homes and communities of choice.

The material in this Plan was prepared by the Kerr Tar Regional Council of Governments Area

Agency on Aging. Any portion of this document may be reproduced and used freely, although

the Kerr Tar Regional Council of Governments Area Agency on Aging should be recognized in

published documents.

Questions or comments regarding the contents of this Plan should be directed to:

Kerr Tar Regional Council of Governments

Area Agency on Aging Director, Jillian Hardin

PO Box 709

1724 Graham Avenue

Henderson, NC 27536

(252) 436-2040

jhardin@kerrtarcog.org

4

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Executive Summary

Developing the Plan

Demographics

County Profile

Identified Issues

Franklin County Features

Conclusion

Acknowledgements

Kerr Tar Regional Council of Governments Board of Directors

5

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Our nation is aging. According to the Administration on Aging, by 2060, there will be about 98 million

older adults, more than twice their number in 2013. Individuals aged 65+ represented 14.1% of the U.S.

population in 2013 but are expected to grow to be 21.7% of the population by 2040.

North Carolina ranks 9th nationally, both in total population and in the number of people 65 and better.

In 2025, one in five North Carolinians will be 65 and older. Our 65+ will almost double in the next 20

years from 1.5 to 2.5 million. The number of people age 85 and older will be the fastest growing

segment beginning in 2030 when the oldest of 2.4 million baby boomers near their 85th birthday.

In Franklin County there are more people turning 60+ than those under the age of 18. This significant

increase in growth in our older adult population is caused by the wave of Baby Boomers, those born

between 1946 and 1964, beginning to reach retirement age. In addition, people are living longer and

according to our data, residents are aging in place. The growth of the aging population in the next two

decades will create opportunities and challenges for long-term supports and services.

This is the first Aging Plan developed for Franklin County. The Aging Plan includes two goals designed to

address quality of life and health issues faced by older adults of Franklin County in a comprehensive

way. The plan covers two main topics: Healthcare and Transportation.

The creation of these goals is the result of the involvement of diverse stakeholders throughout the

planning process. The objectives, strategies and measures listed for each goal represent the work of the

stakeholders, including Franklin County Regional Aging and Advisory Committee members, professionals

from local organizations, and aging service providers. This group, called Franklin County Aging

Leadership Planning Team, collaborated to develop this Aging Plan.

In order for the Aging Plan to succeed we must collaborate and encourage community involvement over

the next years. In addition, we must partner with of a variety of organizations including county Health

Department, Emergency Management, Law Enforcement, and Kerr Area Transportation Authority

(KARTS). We recognize that we all are aging and an age-friendly community benefits our county as a

whole. Utilizing this Aging Plan will help Franklin County build capacity to support our aging population

and ultimately improve the quality of life for our older adults.

Achieving the goals and objectives in the Aging Plan is essential to prepare the county for the influx of

older adults who will use county programs and services. The plan provides important information

regarding stakeholders and citizens as well as sets goals to benefit older adults, individuals with

disabilities and caregivers in Franklin County. The two goals create value for individuals across their

lifespan. This plan serves as a guide and work plan for the Franklin County Department on Aging to

follow for the next years.

Our Mission: The Franklin County Aging Leadership Planning Team will improve and support services for

the aging population of Franklin County

6

DEVELOPING THE PLAN

The Franklin County Aging Leadership Planning Team underwent an intense process of planning to

provide the foundation for developing this County Aging Plan: “Creating Value and Sustainability for

Older Adults of Franklin County!” Three public forums were held during the summer of 2015 to gather

input from consumers throughout the county. Residents of any age completed survey’s that focused on

“senior livable communities.” The team also used data from the Kerr Tar Area Agency on Aging Area

Plan surveys. Data specific to Franklin County was used. In addition, the team collected demographic

data while developing the plan.

Those involved in the planning process consist of Older Adults, Law Enforcement, Department of Social

Services, County Health Department staff, Emergency Management, Kerr Area Transportation Authority

(KARTS), Kerr Tar Council of Government Staff, Regional Aging and Advisory Committee members, Aging

Service Providers, and Kerr Tar Area Agency on Aging staff.

Several challenges occurred during the process of developing the Franklin County Aging Plan. First, the

area agency director resigned and as a result, the planning process was slowed. The public forums went

on as planned and area agency staff facilitated the meetings and collected surveys, however; on October

15 Novant Health’s Franklin Medical Center closed.

With the closed hospital, accessible healthcare became a major issue. The planning team used results

from the Area Agency on Aging’s Area Plan survey that reflects this change. In addition to accessible

healthcare, the team also identified transportation as a major issue. The identification of these issues

provides the opportunity for developing initiatives to meet the needs identified.

The Plan

Aging Leadership

Planning Team

Demographic

Data

Public Forum's

AAA Area Plan

Survey's

7

DEMOGRAPHICS

The United States faces a major demographic shift as more individuals age. This is true for Franklin

County as well. There are more people turning 60+ than those under the age of 18. This significant

increase in growth in our older adult population is caused by the wave of Baby Boomers, those born

between 1946 and 1964, beginning to reach retirement age. In addition, people are living longer and

according to our data, residents are aging in place. The growth of the aging population in the next two

decades will create opportunities and challenges for long-term supports and services.

Source: NC Office of State Budget and Management, October 2015,

Source: Franklin County Planning Department

# % # %

Total 63,225 75,398 19.3%

0-17 14,556 23% 14,633 19% 0.5%

18-44 21,154 33% 24,405 32% 15.4%

45-59 14,102 22% 13,820 18% -2.0%

60+ 13,413 21% 22,540 30% 68.0%

65+ 9,421 15% 17,607 23% 86.9%

85+ 1,021 2% 2,220 3% 117.4%

Franklin Aging Profile

% Change

(2014-2034)Ages

2014 2034

Franklin County Population

Age 2014 2034

0-17 14,556 14,633 77

60+ 22,834 40,147 17,313

85+ 1,021 2,220 1,199

8

County White Alone

Black or African

American

American Indian

and Alaska Native Alone

Asian Alone

Hispanic of Latino Origin

Franklin 72.1% 25.8% 0.5% 0.6% 1.5% Source: NC Office of State Budget and Management, October 2015

In Franklin County nearly 40% of the population is 60 years or better and 60% of the population is over

the age of 45. The age group 75-84 will grow more rapidly in the next two decades. Beyond 2030, the

growth will shift into the ages 85+, as the Baby Boomers move into this age group. However, 44 counties

in the state are already projected to have more growth in the 85+ population.

According to the 2010 census, for every 100 females there are 99.1 males. For every 100 females age 18

and over, there were 97.0 males. According to the NC Office of State Budget and Management, at age

65+ there are 4,673 or 54% of the population married, 2,610 or 30% of the population is widowed, and

425 or 5% never married. For individuals aged 65+ 5,143 or 61.7% report no disabilities. 1,503 or 18%

reported living with one type of disability and 1,696 or 20% reported living with two or more types of

disabilities.

Characteristics: 65+ Franklin

Living alone 27.5% Veterans 15.7%

Have one type of disability 18.0% Have less than a high school diploma 30.4%

Have a high school education, GED or alternative 39.8% Median household income $31,993

Income below the poverty level 13.1%

Income is between 100% -199% of the poverty level 27.1% In labor force 15.6%

Own their homes 82.0% Source: NC Office of State Budget and Management, October 2015

9

COUNTY PROFILE

Franklin County is located in the Northern Piedmont region of North Carolina. According to the 2010

census, the population was 60,619. Its county seat is Louisburg. Louisburg’s population alone is 3,359.

The town is located about 29 miles northeast from Raleigh, and located about 31 miles south from the

Virginia border line. It is the home of Louisburg College, the oldest two-year coeducational college in the

United States, and of one of the campuses of Vance-Granville Community College.

Franklin County is included in the Raleigh, NC Metropolitan Statistical Area, which is also included in the

Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill, NC Combined Statistical Area, which had a 2012 estimated population of

1,998,808.

As part of the world-renowned Research Triangle Region of North Carolina, home of The Research

Triangle Park and one of the most globally competitive regions of the world, the county routinely ranks

among the best places to live, work and play. In addition, Franklin County government offers high-

quality services for both residents and businesses, and a commitment to responsible fiscal and policy

decision-making that promotes long-term economic, social, environmental health and vitality.

The county was established in 1779 and is home to five municipalities – Bunn, Franklinton, Centerville,

Louisburg, and Youngsville.

According to the Franklin County website, Bunn, founded in 1913, is located in southeastern Franklin

County and home to approximately 425 residents. Franklinton, located along the Northern route of US

Hwy #1, is the second largest municipality in Franklin County with an estimated 2,012 residents.

Centerville, incorporated in the early 1960’s, is an intimate community of 89 individuals. Louisburg,

chartered in 1779 as the county seat, is located in the geographic center of the county on the banks of

the Tar River with a population of more than 3,700. Youngsville, located in southwestern Franklin

County, was incorporated in 1875 and is home to approximately 1,250 residents.

10

IDENTIFIED ISSUES

1 – Healthcare

On October 15, 2015 Novant Health’s Franklin Medical Center, located in Louisburg, closed. According to

news reports, several factors contributed to the situation including the economic collapse, a decline in

rural populations, changing reimbursement rates and better technology where patients can be treated

outside of hospitals. Since then, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) calls have increased by about 150

calls per month since the hospital closed.

Residents in need of hospital care, outside of an emergency, now have to travel to out of county medical

facilities. We know that older adults are living longer with multiple health conditions. Community based

services enable individuals to live in their community of choice for as long as possible, however; limited

healthcare options are a barrier to maintaining good health and quality of life.

Survey Comments:

“With the recent closing of the hospital and medical care (doctor's) offices in Louisburg, there is

a lack of medical treatment for many seniors who cannot drive into Raleigh or another larger

city.”

“No hospital nearby.”

“There is no local taxi service close by. Cost $100 to get a taxi from Wake Med North.”

“We have no hospital and few doctor’s offices, many people can not afford medical care or

prescriptions.”

“Franklin County, specifically Youngsville, needs a YMCA. YMCA has programs -in addition to

health and wellness is much needed in our community.”

11

Goal: Empower older adults to have optimal health

status and to have a healthy lifestyle

Objective 1.1: Educate the public on the availability of healthcare services and resources

Strategies: Conduct outreach and inform older adults, family caregivers and individuals with disabilities

about benefits aimed at accessing local healthcare, preventing disease, promoting wellness and

living successfully in their communities.

Measures:

Provide in-services to county senior centers, civic organizations and other

interested entities about available healthcare resources in the county.

Collaborate with Health Department staff on available health resources.

Reach out to local media to promote health services within the area.

Advocate to local government leaders the need for a 24/7 medical facility

located in the in the central part of the county.

Objective 1.2 Streamline access to services and supports to facilitate informed

decision-making for older adults, family caregivers and professionals

Strategies: Collaborate and strengthen partnerships with county agencies that provide health services.

Measures:

Host region wide educational training annually for stakeholders on issues

affecting older adults, caregivers, and individuals with disabilities as well as new

healthcare initiatives in Franklin County.

Utilize an electronic listserv to disseminate accurate information regarding aging

issues in a timely manner.

Design and publish a new Franklin County Department on Aging brochure to

include core programs: Home and Community Care Block Grant services, Family

Caregiver Support, and Health promotion programs so that consumers better

understand the philosophy of the Senior Center.

Develop and utilize social media to promote health in-services at the

Franklinton and Louisburg Senior Center. Identify staff who will serve as

administrators for the Facebook page.

Exchange news and events with Health Department for agency newsletters.

Maintain a current list of all health care agencies in the service area and review

bi-annually for accuracy.

12

Objective 1.3 Expand access to and increase participation in evidence-based health

promotion and disease prevention programs

Strategies: Implement and expand Evidence Based Health Promotion Programs throughout the county.

Measures: Franklin County Department on Aging will collaborate with the Kerr Tar Area

Agency on Aging to offer Healthy Eating for Successful Living in Older Adults, a

community based nutrition program, for adults 60 and better.

Franklin County Department on Aging staff will become certified leaders to

facilitate A Matter of Balance, a falls prevention program.

Staff will offer at least two Matter of Balance workshops annually.

Staff will offer and expand the Living Healthy, Living Healthy with Diabetes, and

Chronic Pain Self-Management programs throughout the county.

2 - Transportation

The Kerr Area Rural Transportation Systems (KARTS) operates public transportation services in Franklin,

Granville, Vance and Warren Counties. KARTS provides transportation on a scheduled (reserved) basis.

The targeted audience for this transportation service is any individual that is in need for transportation

to get to and from their destinations. KARTS vehicles do have handicap assessable entrance ramps.

13

In addition to serving surrounding counties, KARTS serves many area hospitals and other medical

facilities within the Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill areas. Round trip fares to cities such as Chapel Hill,

Durham, and Raleigh are as high as $25.

A transportation system that meets the need for medical as well as non-medical is essential. Not only

have residents expressed a need to be transported to and from their doctors visits, which can

sometimes take their entire day, they also want a transit system to take them on shopping trips, church

services, social events and visits to their families.

Survey Comments:

“More KARTS Services.”

“There appears to be many senior citizens needing transportation for medical visits, shopping ,

etc. and cannot afford the normal price of KARTS or other means (which is limited) of

transportation.”

“Elderly folks have difficulty getting to appointments and other transportation needs because

family members have occupations that requires them to work during the day.”

“As an aging person I can not drive in the big city of Raleigh with all that traffic.”

“Interface with Faith-based organizations and seek volunteers. Or, maybe offer some type of

stipend for those who will be willing to assist.”

“Make available with reasonable cost transportation to Doctors offices out the area.”

“Flexible transportation-KARTS public transportation will take people out of town and drop

them off and will pick them back up. They may wait for hours in the doctor’s office before their

return trip home. Elderly or sick seniors are not able to wait for hours for a return trip home.”

“Elderly that need to go to appointments and have no family need some way of getting to

doctor appointments and to the grocery store.”

“Transportation is central to almost everything - medical, employment, recreation, spiritual.”

Goal: Empower older adults and their families to make

informed decisions and easily access transportation

options and services

Objective 1.1 Develop mobile integrated health system

Strategies: Implement and expand mobile integrated health system to decrease the burden on current

public transportation systems. Measures:

Franklin County Department on Aging will collaborate with county Law

Enforcement, Emergency Management, Health Department and Social

Services to address specific populations such as older adults, high system

14

utilizers such as patients with mental illness or other specific social needs.

When operated as part of an Emergency Medical Services (EMS) system,

this program is sometimes referred to as “Community Paramedicine”.

Objective 1.2: Maximize collaboration with service providers to expand existing

transportation systems

Strategies: Collaborate and support the Kerr Tar Regional Council of Governments Aging and Planning

Departments to write and submit a new grant opportunity called Transit Planning 4 All.

Measures:

The Transit Planning 4 All grant will develop an inclusive coordinated

transportation system where individuals with disabilities and older

adults actively participate in both advisory as well as decision making

capacities to create changes in regional transit that responds to their

needs and preferences.

Objective 1.3: Educate residents about transportation needs in Franklin County

Strategies: Develop alternate methods for transportation when and where KARTS cannot serve

Measures:

Staff will reach out to faith based organizations.

Staff will collaborate with agencies to provide education about regional

transit system including costs, eligibility, and drop off/pick up locations.

Create a database and actively recruit volunteers to drive older adults to

appointments, grocery shopping, social and other events.

Objective 1.4 Update and utilize the Franklin County Special Needs Registry Strategies: Target individuals who may require transportation needs

Measures:

Franklin County Department on Aging will collaborate with county Law

Enforcement, Health Department and Social Services to work with county

Emergency Management to update, maintain and use the Franklin County

Special Needs Registry.

15

FRANKLIN COUNTY FEATURES

Two Senior Center of Excellence: Louisburg Senior Center and Franklinton Senior Center

Franklin County Health Department that is now accepting Medicare for Primary Care and Private

Insurance (in addition to Medicaid and private pay)

Franklin County Home Health Agency accepts Medicare, Medicaid, Private Insurance and self

pay

Two centers for higher education: Louisburg College (junior college) and Vance-Granville

Community College -Franklin County Campus

Strong community support and great Volunteers who rise to the occasion

Emergency Medical Services

Moving towards a Mobile Integrated Healthcare (“Community Paramedicine”) to

enhance the healthcare to the citizens of Franklin County and bridge the gap between

hospital discharge and home health services

Transport emergency patients to appropriate facilities, utilize state of the art

equipment, and maintain qualified technicians in order to meet the standard of care

authorized by Franklin County and the state of North Carolina

Great Emergency Management Services

Storm Ready County

Fall Prevention

Great Law Enforcement

Scheduled patrolling of neighborhoods

Shop With A Cop Program for children at Christmas time

Medicine Drop Box

Citizens Academy

United Way Support and Services

Community Garden

Emergency Food for Seniors

Build A Backpack for school children

16

Art’s Council and cultural events scheduled around the county

Variety of churches with different denominations

Community Activities

Senior Fun Day

Tar River Festival

Allen D Hart Concert Series at Louisburg College

July 4th Celebrations

Dr. M. L. King Celebration

National Whistler’s Convention

Parades

County Airport

Supportive County Commissioners

Franklin County Department of Social Services

Community Alternatives Program

Care and Share (Food Bank)

Emergency Services for Utilities

Low Income Energy Assistance Program

17

CONCLUSION

Franklin County is committed to meeting the many needs of our growing aging population. The two

goals outlined in this Area Plan provide the vision and guidance for moving forward in Franklin County.

We will partner and work with various groups in order to implement the Area Plan.

Franklin County’s population is aging. The importance of the Aging Plan will continue to grow as more

individuals need services. Careful monitoring of the strategies and measures as well as developing and

strengthening partnerships with other organizations will help ensure that the plan’s goals and objectives

are met. Our best outcomes will be achieved when we work together to face these challenges.

In addition, we must work together to develop a strong volunteer base to serve and assist with bridging

service gaps. We want our volunteers to be engaged in their communities to increase awareness of the

needs of our older adults. Our desire is to build a strong group of advocates within the county.

We must improve collaboration, target available resources, and underscore accountability for ourselves

and our provider agencies for enhanced results. The Aging Plan’s goals can only be achieved with the

support and strength of our many and varied stakeholders.

18

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Many individuals contributed their time, resources and input in preparing this plan.

The Aging Leadership Planning Team Members are:

Patsy Douglass, Regional Aging Advisory Committee

Dot Robertson, Regional Aging Advisory Committee

Mattie Woodard, Interim Director, Franklin County Department on Aging

Tara Goolsby, Franklin County Department on Aging

Wendy Hunter, Franklin County Department on Aging

Christy Southall, Franklin County Department on Aging

Jeff Lewis, Director, Franklin County Emergency Services

Kent Winstead, Franklin County Sheriff

Mary Michalski, Franklin County Health Department

Ashley Parrish, KARTS Transportation Coordinator

Nikki Perry, Franklin County Department of Social Services

Kerr Tar Area Agency on Aging Staff:

Jillian Hardin, Director

Melissa Catlett, Family Caregiver Specialist

Kim Hawkins, Regional Ombudsman

Sheila Brown, Aging Projects Coordinator

19

KERR TAR REGIONAL COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Junious M. Debnam, Franklin County

Dazale Vines Kearney, Franklin County

Commissioner Sidney Dunston, Franklin County

W. E. Averette, Granville County

Commissioner Zelodis Jay, Granville County

Francine Chavis, Granville County

Commissioner Jimmy Clayton, Person County

Johnny Lunsford, Person County

Elizabeth Blackwell, Person County

Commissioner Terry Garrison, Vance County

Commissioner Tommy Hester, Vance County,

Chairman

Mary W. Anderson, Vance County

John E. Alston, Warren County

Commissioner Jennifer Jordan, Warren County

Commissioner Barry Richardson, Warren County

Mayor Marsha Strawbridge, Bunn

Councilmember Linda Jordon, Butner

Commissioner Archer Wilkins, Creedmoor

Commissioner Brad Kearney, Franklinton

Mayor Eddie Ellington, Henderson

Mayor Jerry Joyner, Kittrell

Councilman Joe Shearon, Louisburg

Mayor Carroll Harris, Macon

Councilman Gary Plummer, Middleburg

Commissioner Wayne Aycock, Norlina

Councilmember Quon Bridges, Oxford

Councilmember Henry Daniel, Roxboro

Commissioner Kevin Easter, Stem

Commissioner Michael Williford, Stovall

Mayor Walter Gardner, Warrenton

Mayor Fonzie Flowers, Youngsville

Commissioner David Smith, At Large

Bryan Pfohl, At Large

Danny Wright, At Large

20

FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONER SIGNATURE APPROVAL

The Franklin County Aging Plan is recommended for approval by the Franklin County Commissioner’s on

April 4, 2016.

________________________________ ________ ___________________

Sidney E. Dunston, Chair Date

______________________________________ __ __________________

Kristen G. King, Clerk to the Board Date