Andover Townsman, Andover, MA

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September 18, 2008

Editorial: Important work looks to keep seniors at home

Many seniors would prefer to stay in their own homes rather than move into an assisted living facility, retirement community or nursing home. A new Andover group is looking to help them do this — and without spending taxpayers' money. Their idea is an exciting one and is being pursued by many proactive communities around the country.

The idea is to create a virtual retirement community or a "community without walls." Seniors would pay a fee, just as they might if they belonged to a condo association. But instead of the money just going to pay for lawn mowing and other maintenance of communal property, it would go to whatever services the seniors need to stay active and healthy in the community and in their homes. Part of the fee is likely to pay for transportation, to bring seniors to grocery stores, exercise programs or entertainment opportunities. A nonprofit corporation would be set up that seniors could call to get the services they need — even something as simple as the name of someone to clean out the garage. The nonprofit group is meant to provide peace of mind both to seniors and their families who might live elsewhere; if there is a need, there will be someone local to help.

Around 300 people in Andover and North Andover would need to be interested in the program for it to work, according to organizers. While more than 100 communities across America are now looking into the idea, it is new enough that there are few suburban examples for Andover to follow. The first such community was launched in Boston during 2002 by a group called Beacon Hill Village and another group, Cambridge at Home, started in Cambridge, Mass., in 2007. These are reportedly successful, however both groups serve tighter, urban populations. Andover alone is 32 square miles.

Despite the possibility of some challenges in adapting the program, the idea is worth pursing. A public forum has been set up at Memorial Hall Library in Elm Square on Monday, Sept. 22, at 5:30 p.m. to gauge interest. People who have some interest are encouraged to attend to help this process along.

Andover residents at Town Meeting have rejected one proposal to create an over-55 housing development that would have allowed people 55 and older to better connection with each other and the types of services they might want to share. This nonprofit group could provide an alternative way to keep in Andover seniors who have spent their whole lives here. More importantly, they would be able to stay in their homes, avoiding the stress, difficulty and additional work of an otherwise unnecessary late-in-life move.

Providing some assistance to seniors who want to stay in their home is admirable. From a strictly financial point of view, keeping seniors in their home helps keep the school population from growing too quickly, keeps taxes lower and keeps a more interesting and economically diverse population in town.

For years, people have looked for better ways to help people remain in their homes as they age. As the Baby Boomers reach retirement age, this need will become significantly greater. It's laudable that Andover residents are looking at such potential solutions to such important issues.

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Editorial: Important work looks to keep seniors at home
by Anonymous , , Thu Sep 18, 2008, 03:07 PM EDT
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