This program consisted of three sessions, with the issues and questions raised in Session 1 influencing the content of the next two. All of them provided information that is included under Resources.
Resources
Click here for a compilation of documents and links related to information and discussions in the three sessions.
Session 1. Our issues and choices
Monday, April 24, 2023. In this introductory session, four classmates described their particular situations: Sally Wickham Stemwedel, Karen Remmer, Sally Sheppard La Mere, and Joan Dreskin Funk. They discussed the pros and cons, for them, of such choices as remaining in their current home, downsizing, or moving to a retirement community. And they described how they are going about making their decisions. Many other classmates joined the discussion with descriptions of their own situations and questions.
You can watch the presentation here.
Session 2. Staying in our own homes
Wednesday, May 17, 2023. Several experts discussed the services they can provide. Allison Godsey, the director of Newton at Home described the "Village" movement for aging in place and explained where you can find a "Village" near you. Suzanne Speaker described the Certified Aging in Place (CAPS) protocol. Owners of a variety of home modification companies in different parts of the U.S., all trained in the CAPS protocol, talked about how to make your home more senior-friendly:
- Linda Aloisio of Uniquely Yours in Utica, NY
- David Beddoes of San Diego Grab Bars
- Layla Anderson of Beverly Hills on auxiliary dwelling units
- Evangeline Bates of Design for Ageless Living in Lowell, MA
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Margie McNally of Interior Elements Design in Taunton, MA on lighting for older residents
You can watch the presentation here.
Session 3. Moving to senior communities:
Wednesday, May 24. This final session was conducted much like the class meetings of our reunions, moderated by Eleanor Frey Counselman, who was also a participant as a resident in a CCRC. Classmates who have chosen to move to continuing-care retirement communities (CCRCs) or other congregate-living facilities discuss the ones they chose and why, and describe the advantages and tradeoffs. In addition, Sherry Holland shared the list of criteria and questions that she and her husband have assembled as they are investigating CCRCs.
You can watch the presentation here.