The document outlines the concept of 'lifelong living communities' aimed at creating elder-friendly environments where older adults can thrive and maintain independence. It highlights the need for home modifications, accessible transportation, and community resources to support seniors, who are a rapidly growing demographic. The initiative emphasizes the importance of engaging older adults as valuable community members while providing essential services and amenities tailored to their needs.

1. “ Lifelong Living Communities ” an initiative of CICOA Aging & In-Home Solutions

2. There’s No Place Like Home!

3. Lifelong Living Communities - defined … are elder friendly, where older adults are vitally involved, supported and valued. It is a place where elders truly feel they are “at home.”

4. Lifelong Living Communities - Why create an elder friendly community? Home modification services available and affordable … One in four people (over 20% of the population) will be over age 60 by 2025. Older adults vote, contribute, donate and volunteer more than younger persons Older adults overwhelmingly (94%) desire to remain independent and live in their homes and communities Promoting communities as “elder friendly” helps in attracting new business and maintaining a skilled workforce What is good for seniors is good for everyone “ Our population is aging because seniors are the fastest growing population in the world !” … www.seniorliving.com, AARP, US World & News, and others

5. Lifelong Living Communities – a checklist Homes are ‘visit-able” Affordable housing options , i.e. single, multi-family, multi-individual Quality nursing homes available Home modification services available and affordable HOUSING:

6. Lifelong Living Communities – a checklist Elders can get transportation when they need it Elders can get transportation to elective activities as well as medical appointments Transportation is affordable Assisted elder transportation is available TRANSPORTATION:

7. Lifelong Living Communities – a checklist Sufficient places to sit down Streets and addresses are well marked Signage readable to elder eyes Stoplights timed to allow elders time to cross Wide and well-maintained sidewalks INFRASTRUCTURE:

8. Lifelong Living Communities – a checklist Low and easily navigated curbs Sufficient parking close to stores, churches, etc. Sufficient and well-placed handicapped parking INFRASTRUCTURE:

9. Lifelong Living Communities – a checklist Information & referral services easily found A hospital or clinic in the community Affordable chore & handyman services available Affordable home-delivered meals available SERVICES:

10. Lifelong Living Communities – a checklist Friendly visiting/phone call services available In-home nursing services available Information and training services for caregivers available Caregiver respite services available SERVICES:

11. Lifelong Living Communities – a checklist Job opportunities for elders Volunteering opportunities for elders Mentoring opportunities for elders VOLUNTEER/WORK OPPORTUNITIES:

12. Lifelong Living Communities – a checklist An accessible grocery and pharmacy in town Businesses sensitive to the needs of elders Home delivery of groceries, toiletries and drugs available SHOPPING:

13. Lifelong Living Communities – a checklist Opportunities for education/lifelong learning Cultural/social events planned with elders in mind (i.e. timing, location, etc.) Opportunities for exercise and recreation Active senior center Generations interact in the community SOCIAL & CULTURAL:

14. Lifelong Living Communities – a checklist Elders treated with friendliness and respect Elders looked upon as assets in the community Elders recruited for civic involvement Community educated about the needs and strengths of elders VALUES:

15. Lifelong Living Communities – home modifications, a priority CICOA Aging & In-Home Solutions, works with local community development corporations to help seniors continue to access their home safely and comfortably so they can age-in-place. On south Dawson, Hubert and Juanita, both in the 70’s, have lived in their home for almost 30 years. She is mobile only via wheelchair or walker. A crumbling, 4’ x 8 ‘ sheet of plywood laid over the front steps, without handrail or guardrail, was used for wheelchair access. CICOA called SEND who using CDBG funding to pour a concrete pad in the back to seal a basement window leak. SEND, then sloped it for wheelchair use. CICOA installed a new wheelchair ramp in front, added grab bars in the bathroom, handrails along steps inside back porch, and a wheelchair threshold to the front door.

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22. Home Modifications – a priority after Dave

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