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medication education, Alzheimer's Disease and nutrition at multiple locations throughout Cabarrus County. #2- Develop sensitivity training programs Develop a sensitivity program for County employees and community partners. Develop an educational program on cultural sensitivity that teaches County and city staff, and our community partners skills and techniques to help communicate more effectively with the senior population. This can include the development of an educational campaign, as well as community resource directories in multiple languages that medical providers can distribute to seniors. By relying on resources, such as The Area Agency on Aging, the subcommittee hopes sensitivity training will help address the senior population in a positive way. #3- Develop an active community "Cabarrus County Walks" The subcommittee identified a goal- orientated walking program targeting older adults as a way to strengthen the community in spirit and health. As a first step, the subcommittee would use the communications guidelines to develop a brand for the program that aims to raise county- wide awareness of Cabarrus County as a community for active older adults. Second, the subcommittee would develop partnerships with local agencies to assist in the Cabarrus County Walks Campaign. The campaign would consist of County -wide community walks at local parks, towns and within county limits to bring community spirit and health. By providing preventative and educational opportunities about health and wellness for older adults in Cabarrus County, the plan can help delay or prevent chronic conditions and provide more access to programs and services that can improve quality of life for older adults. Housing and Home Improvement The Housing and Home Improvement Subcommittee comprises of staff from the municipalities of Concord, Kannapolis and Harrisburg; non - profits, including Prosperity Unlimited, Baptist Men and Cooperative Christian Ministry and a private sector architect. This subcommittee considered existing programs, including how they could be improved and new policies or actions to address housing oriented towards an older population. Each of the participating cities and the County have some form of housing repair, rehabilitation, and construction program for existing and new housing. The non - profits that participated in the subcommittee also work directly or indirectly to help provide housing for low income residents, including aging clients. There was considerable discussion on how the private sector could be encouraged and supported to create additional housing for older adults. There is private sector housing for low income and high income older adults, but seems to be little options for middle income residents. In addition, there are programs to adapt housing for low income individuals so they may remain in their existing homes, but the concept of universal housing (that housing adapted for older adults, handicapped and impaired individuals) has not been employed in this market. 3.17.14 DRAFT Cabarrus County Aging Strategic Plan 1 -2 Page 85