More than 75,000 older adults live in the corridor from Carlisle to Hershey – a number that will continue to grow as baby boomers age.
At the same time, many in this generation prefer to age in place. In fact, 84 percent of respondents to an AARP study said they would prefer to live in their own homes during retirement. Overwhelming majorities also said it was important for them to have access to transportation, healthcare and home-maintenance services.
Having both spent careers serving older adults, we believe these trends present serious challenges to our region, putting significant pressure on the current framework of available services.
But this new reality has also created an important opportunity – the opportunity to create an innovative, community-driven model for serving those 55 and better.
After many months of collaboration, Messiah Lifeways Connections will launch in July. Connections, based on a model that’s emerging in other parts of the U.S., is a membership-driven, grassroots organization created to support those who choose to age in place.
Connections will provide access to a broad range of services, create social and volunteer opportunities that enhance quality of life, and strengthen our shared spirit of community.
Peace of Mind, Enhanced Quality of Life
Two years ago, community advocates, local officials, older adults and Messiah Lifeways began to explore the development of a grassroots program in the Greater Harrisburg Region.
What emerged from research, focus groups and discussions was an innovative new approach. While the volunteer spirit fuels other similar programs across the U.S., Connections will expand on this model by extending the resources available.
The Connections framework will include not only caring volunteers, vetted service providers, and committed community partners, but also the professional team from Messiah Lifeways and two founding sponsors, Holy Spirit Health System and PinnacleHealth.
The Connections members, who pay $260 per year, will enjoy significant program benefits:
- Quick, easy access to all services through a members-only hotline and 24-hour access to a members-only Web portal
- Access to pre-screened vendors to provide a wide range of services: home repairs, maintenance, transportation, and more
- Learning opportunities and events that foster connections and provide the critical benefits of social connection
- Volunteer opportunities and the ability to “trade services” with other members
- A personalized home safety evaluation and emergency preparedness review
The Connections program, developed with significant guidance from those eligible for membership, provides a critical platform of supports and opportunities for those who choose to age in place.
A Call to Action
Connections plans to begin providing service this summer. We are currently accepting enrollment of 100 Charter Members – adults 55 and better who will enjoy extended memberships and other benefits, and who will have the opportunity to drive the program’s offerings and future direction.
At its core, Connections is a community of people helping people. We hope older adults and their families will take time to learn about the program, provide their viewpoints, and consider a membership. Connections has the potential to help thousands of older adults to embrace life on their own terms and in their own home.
Dale Laninga, community advocate and volunteer, is retired co-director of Long Term Care Reform in the Governor’s Office of Health Care Reform, and Gary Johnson is vice president of Community Support Services at Messiah Lifeways.
For more information about the program and becoming a Connections Charter member, visit www.MessiahLifeways.org/Connections or call 717-790-8209. Contact the authors at Dklaninga@aol.com for Laninga and gjohnson@messiahlifeways.org for Johnson.
