2006 Pitkin Survey on Senior Housing and Care Needs

Throughout 2006, a task force drawn from leaders of Pitkin County and its Senior Council, the Aspen Valley Hospital, the City of Aspen, and the Aspen Valley Medical Foundation undertook a study to determine the needs for future senior citizen care and housing options.

The Senior Care and Housing task force contracted with Venturoni Surveys & Research, Inc. to design and perform a community survey, and The Highland Group to identify potential markets.

A survey instrument was developed which explored retirement plans, attitudes toward retirement housing and services, preferences for senior housing options, preferences for amenities to be included in the housing alternatives, ability to pay for housing and services, current housing situations and demographic information.

The survey was sent to 1500 full-time Pitkin County residents over age 45, and 1500 second home owners in Pitkin County. 396 surveys were returned by local residents; 246 from the second homeowners. The margin of error for the local resident sample is 4.8%; for the second-home owner sample it is 6.1%. Results of the survey were officially presented to the public on April 12, 2007 by the consultant, Linda Venturoni.

The steering committee will continue to evaluate feedback from the community, and will begin consultation with professionals in the field of senior care and retirement housing to learn about potential options and solutions.

Comprehensive results of the survey are available through the following links: