Chestertown, MD – Upper Shore Aging, Inc. has partnered with Rivers & Roads Consulting to conduct a comprehensive needs assessment focused on understanding the evolving needs of seniors across Caroline, Kent, and Talbot counties. The effort aims to ensure that programs and services offered by the agency remain aligned with the realities facing older adults in the region—and are equipped to meet both current demand and what’s coming next.
As the designated Area Agency on Aging for Maryland’s Mid-Shore, Upper Shore Aging delivers vital services to more than 31,000 older adults annually, including senior centers, home-delivered and congregate meals, care coordination, legal aid, health insurance counseling, and transportation. With the population of seniors growing and the challenges they face becoming more complex, this needs assessment comes at a critical time.
Rivers & Roads will gather insight through interviews with local stakeholders, analysis of demographic and policy trends, and review of existing programs and materials. The goal is to surface clear, actionable insights that help Upper Shore Aging understand how the region’s senior population is changing—and where the agency may need to adapt, expand, or rethink service delivery.
“This assessment is about listening first,” said Sam Shoge, Partner at Rivers & Roads. “We’re here to help the organization understand what older adults in this region truly need—from access to meals and healthcare, to transportation, broadband, and social connection—and to use that understanding to shape strategy moving forward.”
The process will culminate in a written report summarizing key findings and early recommendations. While it can stand alone as a discrete effort, the report is also intended to lay the groundwork for long-term planning and inform future decisions around partnerships, staffing, and resource development.
Upper Shore Aging’s commitment to its mission—to serve, support, and advocate for older adults—continues to guide its efforts. This assessment reflects that commitment and positions the organization to better meet the moment for the seniors who rely on its work.
For more information on Upper Shore Aging, visit: www.uppershoreaging.org
How well do you understand the needs of the people you serve?
At Rivers & Roads, we help organizations get beyond assumptions by designing thoughtful, practical assessments that uncover real insights. Whether you’re serving seniors, youth, or families, our approach helps you listen with intention, plan with clarity, and act with confidence. Contact us today to learn how a needs assessment can strengthen your mission and shape your future.
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