LOS ANGELES, December 4, 2024 – Keiro, a leading organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of older adults in the Japanese American community, has released the findings of a complete community survey focused on memory care services. The survey results, now available to the public, will play a crucial role in guiding KeiroS progress of board and care homes designed to support individuals affected by memory loss.
“While the vast majority of older adults aspire to age in place for as long as possible,the survey reveals that community members recognize the potential need for more advanced care as they age,” said beverly Ito,Keiro President & CEO. “The survey also highlights the importance of ongoing health education and advance care planning, particularly related to Alzheimer’s and other dementias, areas where Keiro will continue to focus it’s efforts.”
Keiro’s initiative to develop locally accessible and self-sustaining board and care homes is the culmination of years of meticulous research, planning, and development. Establishing the first board and care home involves a multi-faceted process, including property acquisition, renovation, licensing, and staffing.
While Keiro is enthusiastic about this new endeavor and working towards opening the board and care home, the organization remains committed to its core mission: enhancing the aging experience of older adults and caregivers as they thrive in their local communities.
Survey Background and Results
Following an analysis of its 2023 community needs survey, Keiro launched the next phase of its plan to develop financially viable, self-sustaining services for the community in June 2024. This included a community-wide survey and focus groups with a specific emphasis on memory care and board and care homes. The survey was conducted online from June through September 2024 and was open to all community members. It was available in both English and Japanese, with the option to request paper surveys. A separate invitation for the focus groups was extended to all individuals who had signed up for the 2023 community needs survey.
Keiro received over 900 responses to the memory care survey.Seventy-nine percent of respondents completed the survey in English, while 21% completed it in Japanese.
“85% of respondents expressed moderate to very high concern about their cognitive health as they age,” the survey revealed. “respondents indicated that noticeable memory loss affecting daily activities, difficulty performing familiar tasks, and/or managing finances, as well as increasing confusion about time and/or location, would prompt them to seek a medical check-up.”
In the event of a cognitive impairment diagnosis, having a professional or paid caregiver was identified as the most preferred care option, followed by moving into a facility that could provide caregiving services.
For more facts, frequently asked questions, and to view the complete 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.
## A Conversation with Keiro’s CEO on Meeting the Growing Need for Memory Care
**world Today News Interview with Beverly Ito, President & CEO, Keiro**
*World Today News* recently spoke with Beverly Ito, President & CEO of Keiro, a leading organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of older adults in the Japanese American community. Keiro recently released the findings of a comprehensive community survey focusing on memory care services.
**WTN:** Keiro just revealed the results of a community survey focused on memory care. Can you tell us what key takeaways emerged from this research?
**Ito:** This survey offers valuable insights into the needs and aspirations of our community as they age. It confirms that the desire to age in place remains strong, but it also highlights a growing awareness of the potential need for specialized support as cognitive issues arise.
specifically, the survey underscores the importance of readily available, culturally-sensitive memory care services, something that is currently lacking in our community.
**WTN:** How will Keiro utilize these findings to advance its mission?
**Ito:** The survey data will be instrumental in shaping our approach to developing board and care homes designed specifically for individuals affected by memory loss. It confirms the need for these homes and provides crucial insights into the type of environment and services that will best serve our community.
**WTN:** Everyone knows the challenges associated with taking on a project like the advancement of a board and care home. What can you tell us about Keiro’s vision for this initiative?
**Ito:** This isn’t just about bricks and mortar; it’s about creating a true home where individuals with memory loss feel safe, supported, and valued. It’s about ensuring access to specialized care that honors cultural traditions and embraces individualized needs.
We’re committed to creating a space that is not only cozy and welcoming but also fosters a sense of community and belonging.
**WTN:** Where dose this project stand now, and what are the next steps?
**ito:** We are diligently working thru the multi-faceted process of identifying a suitable property, securing necessary licensing and permits, and building a team of highly qualified and compassionate caregivers. This is a long-term commitment for Keiro, and we are taking a careful, measured approach to ensure we create a truly remarkable resource for our community.
**WTN:** Everyone recognizes the vital role Keiro plays in supporting older adults. How will this new initiative complement Keiro’s existing programs and services?
**Ito:** Our core mission remains unwavering: to enhance the aging experience for older adults and caregivers in the Japanese American community. While our board and care homes will offer specialized services for those with memory loss, they will be integrated with our broader network of programs and resources, ensuring a holistic approach to well-being.
we firmly believe that this initiative will not only meet the growing need for memory care but also strengthen the fabric of our community by providing a valuable resource that promotes dignity, respect, and quality of life for those impacted by Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
**WTN:** thank you for sharing your insights, Ms. Ito.
