Rochester seniors citizens are seeking better transportation, affordable housing, and response to mental health needs.

Local seniors gathered at the town’s Council on Aging on Monday for a discussion with Coastline Elderly Services planner Ann McCrillis on how best to meet those needs.

McCrillis and Rochester Council on Aging Director Sharon Lally presented findings from a state survey conducted by the Executive Office of Elder Affairs.

The survey identified the services that need improvement for seniors, including caregiver support, health care, financial assistance, and workforce development.

In response to the state’s findings and to better identify the needs of local seniors, McCrillis said Coastline aims to localize the results by conducting its own survey this month.

McCrillis said that the survey will be used by Coastline to draft a four-year plan to find better services in the area. Coastline, one of the state’s 23 Area Agencies on Aging, receives federal funding for its programs every year.

Rochester resident Jean Armstrong said she finds transportation to be a major issue among local seniors.

“I can still drive, but I don’t like to drive at night,” Armstrong said. “I’m fortunate that I have people who can help me out, but there are others who don’t. We don’t have public transportation.”

Lally agreed. “Transportation is a major thing and it’s up to each community to deal with,” Lally said.

The Rochester Council on Aging does have three vans that serve as the only public form of transportation in town for seniors, Lally said.  The vans are available to seniors free of cost, but are only used on weekdays.

“What if there was an emergency?” Armstrong asked.

McCrillis said Coastline does provide medical transportation for residents age 60 and older on a short-term basis, but that the need for improved services should be addressed in the survey.

Affordable housing was an important topic for Jackie Ashley of Rochester.

“This is a big issue. There is no senior housing in town that’s affordable,” Ashley said.

Lally also agreed. “We have none here, but I don’t know if there is enough anywhere,” Lally said.

Four years ago, the greatest need identified by Coastline’s survey was in regards to mental health issues, McCrillis said.

“Elders may have depression, memory loss, or something else, but they don’t tell anyone,” McCrillis said. “On a survey, it shows because it’s private and confidential.”

The last survey, conducted in 2008, saw a 45 percent participation rate among people 60 and over, which McCrillis said she was hoping to match this year.

“With this turnout, we have enough to work with,” McCrillis said.

Of the discussion on Monday, Ashley said, “It’ll help us to do more. Nothing happens without a little bit of effort.”

To participate, seniors can pick up a survey at the Council on Aging located at 67 Dexter Lane in Rochester.