Central Texas Faces Rising Demand for Senior Services Amid Population Growth

As Texas faces a projected 90% increase in its population over 65 in the coming decades, experts say it’s crucial for communities to start planning for the needs of older adults now, especially as resources are already strained.

Texas currently ranks third in the U.S. for residents aged 50 and older, according to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission’s Aging Texas Well Strategic Plan. Williamson County is experiencing this demographic shift firsthand, with the number of seniors aged 65 and older rising by 76% since the 2020 census.

Jennifer Scott, director of the Area Agency on Aging – Capital Area, which serves 10 counties in the region, said the demand for senior services continues to rise, making it difficult to keep up with the increasing need.

“We do our best to respond quickly, but the demand is so great that sometimes it can take several days or even weeks before we can return calls,” Scott explained.

The agency provides a variety of services aimed at helping older adults, people with disabilities, and their caregivers. These include connecting seniors with transportation, meal deliveries, and assistance with navigating Medicare. But with the population growth, agencies like Scott’s are becoming overwhelmed.

“The aging population is growing exponentially,” Scott said.

In Georgetown, Georgette Hewett has recently taken on the role of care advocate at the First United Methodist Church, where she helps members connect with elder care services in the community. She also offers educational outreach such as funeral planning workshops and support groups for caregivers.

Hewett encourages people to plan ahead for their later years, including making decisions about long-term care, nursing homes, and medical services. While the subject may be uncomfortable, she believes early planning is essential to maintaining control over future decisions.

“It’s hard to think about these changes, but by planning ahead, you regain some control over what comes next,” Hewett said.

The church’s associate pastor, Rev. Tina Schramme, noted that the decision to hire Hewett was part of an effort to address the growing needs of older, isolated congregants.

“We’ve found that as people age, they tend to become more isolated,” Schramme said. “We’re trying to create ways for them to stay connected.”

For more information about senior services in Williamson County, residents can visit the county’s website, which offers a directory of local service providers.

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