AIP Virtually

Virtually Aging in Place - A Retirement Community Alternative

It’s understandable that many people prefer to remain in their own homes as they age. Not every area offers a selection of active retirement communities, sometimes such a move is unaffordable, and sometimes making a move to another town or state can mean leaving behind all that has become familiar over a lifetime: friends, family, place of worship, a yard and home thick with memories. My own mother is one of those whose deepest wish is to remain in the family home for as long as possible. "To the end," she always says, and I’ve come to respect the reasons she’s stated for her choice. After my father passed, I had hoped she would make the move to an active adult community. That was not to be. It wasn’t long before supportive friends and neighbors and new-found routines negated any consideration of starting anew as suggested by us kids. The choice of where to spend one’s seniorhood years is often made early in retirement, before neighbors begin to move and doctor’s appointments start becoming more frequent. For those who’ve made the choice to age in place, what happens when assistance becomes needed for medical appointments and other routine errands and family and neighbors, for varying reason, are no longer nearby?

Andover, Massachusetts Seeks Virtual Solution

Came across an article in the Andover Townsman where a subcommittee of the Council on Aging has proposed an innovative approach for their aging-in-place seniors called "retirement living without walls." A private, nonprofit organization would be formed to work cooperatively with the Council on Aging allowing seniors, with a yearly membership fee, to obtain access to services and amenities similar to those available to residents of assisted-living communities. Whereas an assisted living facility might cost upwards of $4,000 per month, research has indicated that similar programs run out of the home could cost as little as $800 to $1200 per month. This is a substantial savings for those on limited incomes. The "retirement living without walls" organization would have a central office, staffed with volunteers and full- and part-time employees. With an annual membership, members could receive transportation to the grocery store, doctor’s appointments, attend exercise classes at a YMCA or local senior center. For an additional fee, other services such as therapeutic massage, home repair, laundry, pet services, and more would be made available through strategic alliance partners set up with the organization. Turns out this concept is not brand new. Beacon Hill, an affluent downtown community in Boston, actually came up with this concept in 2001 offering local residents an alternative to moving to retirement or assisted living communities. Their program, named Beacon Hill Village, is available to those 50 years or older and includes residents of Beacon Hill, Back Bay, West End, South End, North End, Charlestown, and the Waterfront. One of the major advantages of living in an assisted-living or retirement community is the organized attention given to the community members. There is strength in numbers, we know. With those aging-in-place seniors often sparsely spread throughout their community, they often lack a strong community voice. Concepts like this one need to "virtually" spread giving seniors added choice, care, and peace of mind throughout their lifetime.