During my recent recuperation from surgery, I received several emails and then a personal visit from Dr. Randy Reinhold of the about-to-be-fully-launched, Shoreline Village Ct. Bitsey Clark of the already-up-and-working East Rock Village was kind enough to send me detailed information about that program.
Both organizations felt they would have answered all of my needs as a single woman, without nearby family, facing an unforeseen emergency. While I am not certain that they would have been able to help with everything, I do think the village concept offers enough advantages at a fairly moderate cost to merit serious consideration by many seniors.
Essentially, the Village concept, which originated in Boston in 1999, hopes to help members remain in their own homes and communities, taking care of themselves and each other.
Beacon Hill Village in Boston now has more than 400 members and has served as the model for many other “Villages” in America. When someone joins East Rock Village, for example, they are offered a full home safety inspection and if improvements are required, vetted providers such as electricians, plumbers or carpenters can be called. A call to one of their neighborhood offices can arrange rides, after-hospital care or 24/7 access to an APRN who can evaluate emergency situations.
The big advantage when dealing with any unforseen emergency is having all your needs taken care of through the help of one individual who can also contact family members. Additionally, East Rock Village offers social get-togethers and trips. Exactly how the Shoreline will operate may be different. It will extend from Branford to Old Saybrook.
Not everyone should remain at home, of course. Continuing-care and assisted-living communities offer pleasant apartments as well as individual homes, on-site help when needed, health care and fitness facilities, nutritious food, diverse activities, transportation and companionship. I have seen lonely or isolated individuals blossom and get a new lease on life in a well-chosen community.
Two of the most important things anyone living alone should do are:
1. Have an emergency response system, such as Life Alert.
2. Complete the following:
-List of Medications and any allergies. One copy should be on your refrigerator for the emergency responder, one copy in your wallet and one copy for your primary care doctor.
-Living will and durable power of attorney
-Designation of health care agent
Your next of kin should have copies of these documents and know the safe whereabouts of the originals. They should also know and be able to have access to all your bank accounts, your car and insurance documents and your safety deposit box and credit cards. A trusted elder law attorney should be consulted when making your will and your living will. The later is especially important if you do not wish certain life-prolonging measures to be employed in your behalf.
Having said all of the above, I would never have come through my recent unplanned, unexpected, emergency as smoothly as I did, without the wonderful assistance and encouragement of friends, co-workers and faithful readers. I am so grateful to all of them.
For information about Shoreline Village Ct., contact Reinhold at 203-747-5939. For information about East Rock Village, contact Bitsey Clark at 203-776-7378.
Contact Jean Cherni, certified senior adviser for Senior Living Solutions and Pearce Plus, a helpful, full-service program for seniors contemplating a move, at jeancherni@sbcglobal.net or 15 The Ponds at 101 Hotchkiss Grove, Branford 06405.
