Using a Stakeholder Participatory Model in a Community-Wide Service Needs Assessment of Elderly Residents

ABSTRACT

This paper discusses a collaborative approach to a community-wide needs assessment in a county in Ohio. A neighborhood service provider for elderly residents in the community initiated the research project. To promote ownership in the evaluation process and to conserve resources, the evaluators used a stakeholder participatory approach. This effort not only resulted in increased cooperation among all parties involved (stakeholders, evaluators, community agencies), but culminated in the acceptance and utilization of controversial findings.

Key Words:

• Stakeholder participation
• needs assessment strategy
• elderly services