Job and Family Services presents senior demographics and adult-protective referrals to Knox County commissioners

Scott Boone, director of Job and Family Services, told the Knox County Board of Commissioners on Oct. 16 that the county’s population of older residents is sizable and includes many with economic and care needs. "To date, in Knox County, we have 15,724 residents that are age 60 and older," Boone said.

Boone gave a breakdown of income thresholds and related figures, saying 5,698 older residents live at or below 199% of the federal poverty level and 3,582 are at or below 150% of the poverty threshold — “so about 40% total” of the county’s 60-plus population. He also reported 1,447 residents identified with Alzheimer’s or dementia, 2,359 living alone, 7,507 homeowners and 1,458 renters.

Boone read adult-protective referral tallies from Jan. 25 through Sept. 30: 282 total referrals, with neglect accounting for 163 cases, exploitation 99 cases and abuse 40 cases. He attributed the figures to the county’s area agency on aging contact, Richard Meeker, and noted the published numbers reflect reports received through that agency and the county hotline and likely undercount unmet need.

The director said he is coordinating outreach with the area agency on aging and expects a public presentation in March at Mount Vernon Nazarene Church to address trends and consumer protection topics. Boone warned of predatory home-sale tactics aimed at older homeowners and said the event will provide awareness and resources.

Boone also briefed the board on operations: state quality-control audits began that month and will continue over the next year, and Job and Family Services is short-staffed in eligibility determinations (he said the office is down two ERS-2 positions and one ERS-1). "It takes about two years for them to acclimate to the position," he said, describing turnover and the pressure of adding audit-related requirements. He said the office remains confident in performance and will manage SNAP and other payment-rate particulars as they arise.

Commissioners asked whether other similar counties are aging at comparable rates; Boone said he did not have comparative data on hand but would consult the area agency on aging for empirical figures. He warned that continued growth in older residents could require revisiting resource allocation and said monthly statistics will help guide future decisions.

Boone closed by noting workforce and partnership successes, including an Oct. 1 career event that drew nearly 1,200 students, and described an agreement to provide a centrally known room for sheriff chaplains to debrief after critical incidents. The board thanked him and closed the item.