The utilization of resident service coordinators in meeting the service needs of older U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development housing residents

The older adult population is growing and aging in place by using home- and community-based services with assistance by social service professionals. In housing sponsored by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) these professionals are titled Resident Service Coordinators (RSC). Using quantitative methodology, this study looked at the functionality of older adults who resided in 10 HUD senior housing facilities, the types of services that they used, and their satisfaction with the RSC program. Results showed that almost two thirds of the respondents were functionally impaired, accessed the RSC for a wide variety of services, and had a high level of satisfaction with the RSC program. Implications are that, as the older adult population continues to grow, there will be an increased need for professional assistance through home- and community-based services. The RSC program has been successful in HUD senior housing and is a good model for social service programs that assist older adults who are living independently.