Some Hispanic seniors have complained of being treated rudely and differently at senior centers. Jesse Berain, the only Hispanic to serve in the state legislature and to head a state agency, says that until Hispanics have a decision-making voice on state and local commissions and boards that oversee government agencies, Hispanics won't receive the same level of services that the majority community receives. State agencies, such as the Idaho Commission on Aging, of which Mr. Berain was formerly the Director, must ensure that aging agencies comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 by assessing annually whether they are providing the same level of services to minorities as to the majority community. Ernesto Sanchez, the Executive Director of Idaho Legal Aid Services, says the Area Agencies on Aging should do aggressive outreach to Hispanic seniors to link them up with services. He cited lack of Hispanic staff in the local Area Agencies on Aging as a major reason why Hispanics don't go to the senior centers.
Hispanic seniors face in accessing government services.
Mr. Valverde also pointed to language barriers as an obstacle, and to lack of knowledge as to what types of government programs exist. Mr. Valverde said that the local Area Agencies on Aging have been trying to make themselves more accessible to Hispanic seniors by hiring bilingual staff, and by promoting multicultural meals and events. He states that whether the belief of some Hispanic seniors that they are not welcome at senior centers is perceived or real, the Idaho Commission on Aging wants to change that. Efforts to provide senior services at a center in a predominantly Hispanic neighborhood in Caldwell or Nampa have not yet borne fruit. While some possible sites in churches have been found, handicap accessibility, funding, and other issues remain as obstacles.