WILMINGTON — An elder forum held in Wilmington last month brought 25 interested people together to brainstorm about services and resources that attendees identified as important to the quality of their lives as they age. The notion that people need to mobilize themselves now to create an affordable option to remain in our community as we age was evident to all who attended.
Very little is available right now, and so have an opportunity to create a vibrant and engaged community that can make it possible for you to age in place. Isn't it time to have a plan or at least have a conversation?
By having a dialogue now, we can put plans in place so we are better prepared should a crisis occur.
So please help me consider ways that your Deerfield Valley town can create a “livable community” that looks at options now to make it possible for you to remain in your community when challenges occur.
I can afford my mortgage and property taxes because I activated my Social Security at 65, began collecting my modest retirement benefits, and continue to work a part-time job.
However, I am keenly aware that my hours might be reduced or eliminated at any time and, should a medical, physical, or emotional challenge affect me or a loved one, I would be forced to begin the painful reality of prioritizing my finances to identify every possible option to remain in my home.
I have been helping others face these challenges for the past 30-plus years, and now I am asking for all residents in the Deerfield Valley to think about their personal plans.
What will happen if you can't drive? Have you ever taken a ride on the MOOver or contacted the Deerfield Valley Transit Authority or another organization to have a volunteer drive you to medical appointments?
Have you ever had to choose between paying for a prescription, buying your groceries, or paying your bills? Very few of us are truly prepared to navigate the options in the face of a serious challenge.
We live in an amazing community that truly cares about our neighbors, as evidenced by the creation of organizations such as the Deerfield Valley Health Center, Deerfield Valley Rescue, Families First, Deerfield Valley Cares, and the Deerfield Valley Food Pantry.
Each of the valley towns supports its own volunteer fire department and EMS provider. Neighbors and community members organize benefits to help seriously ill friends and neighbors in very real and practical ways.
A few folks have signed an “Aging in your Community” worksheet to begin a process to address these issues proactively and help our towns make plans to help you do so. This can happen only if we get your input about what you want, what you need, and what is missing.
Please send an email to [email protected] to share your ideas, to volunteer your time or expertise to this worthwhile effort, or to sign up to receive a newsletter by email.
Too many folks are walking this path alone without knowing where to begin. Feel free to contact me at 802-681-8740 or [email protected].