ACTION PLAN Spring 2021 - Yarmouth Maine Aging in Place - Building Community One Neighbor at a Time in Yarmouth, Maine - AARP
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Building Community One Neighbor at a Time in Yarmouth, Maine Yarmouth Maine Aging in Place ACTION PLAN Spring 2021
Yarmouth, ME Aging in Place February 2021 Yarmouth’s Aging in Place efforts have been underway since 2015. Our project was an outgrowth of the Yarmouth Senior Housing Committee. Their efforts resulted in a second “affordable” senior housing complex and yet their steering committee understood that there were many additional services needed by Yarmouth seniors to allow them to age in place. Our AIP work group thus began our work to identify those services and how we could deliver them. With a population of about 8,500, Yarmouth’s median age is 46 (compared to the Maine median age of 46). We know that retired Mainers tend to be “snowbirds” for a while but then return to Maine as they get older, probably for health care and also to be closer to family. Many Yarmouth residents have family of all ages nearby and thus our efforts need to support their desire to keep their older relatives at home. Our AIP Work Group began as a bottom up project. Members were recruited from an election day questionnaire and thus began our inquiry about what an AIP project might look like. The Town of Yarmouth was generally in favor of our work, but as the town manager told me, “They don’t really know what they are in favor of yet.” We would need to build our case for the town to jump on board. Critical to our success was collaborations between organizations and town departments. We were fortunate to have a long standing organization- YCAN- (Yarmouth Cares about Neighbors) which includes a food pantry, medical (equipment) loan closet, and senior rides program just to name a few. Yarmouth’s AIP project landed comfortably under the YCAN umbrella, thus providing us with 501c3 status. Other partners include Yarmouth Community Services which coordinates activities for residents of all ages; our town library which has supported many programs and provided us with display space for our informational brochures; and Yarmouth Town Council which supported our efforts with a monetary donation and a recommendation of our CDBG grant to kick off the project. It seemed like at every turn, someone would step up to the plate to support the next step. One of our YCAN board members conducted interviews with town stakeholders to determine what was already known by these organizations about town services for seniors. A series of focus groups attended by several hundred older residents filled in the gaps about what people knew about available programs and what needed to be added. All of this information fed into a town
wide survey, mailed to all residents; and returned by 25% of all residents (>50% of those age 65 and older). One of our work group members specializes in surveys and analysis and thus we had a thorough understanding of what is needed to make Yarmouth more Age Friendly. After a review of various AIP models, we settled on AARP’s model which includes the 8 areas we chose to focus on. As our work proceeded work group members gravitated to various areas and we were able to proceed with our work. The attached spreadsheets with red highlighted areas for activities completed shows where we focused our efforts. In addition to the 8 focus areas, we invited a group of seniors town wide as our Senior Advisory Council. Their assignment was to help publicize the programs/events we were organizing and to bring forward issues that needed attention especially when they were not included in the original plan. One of our most invaluable accomplishments was the addition of a Resource Specialist from SMAA (Southern Maine Agency on Aging) to be available to Yarmouth seniors two days a week at the town library (during Covid by email and phone). The role of the RS is to connect Yarmouth seniors with available services both regionally and locally. SMAA is able to bring their extensive resource connections and also link residents with programs that Yarmouth has created. It was at this juncture that we knew the town had taken greater ownership of Age Friendly Yarmouth programs, which we view as integral to long term continuation of our efforts. We look forward to continued development of our programs. Yarmouth Community Services, which is also responsible for the upkeep of our public lands/playgrounds has made great strides in making parks and walkways more handicapped accessibility. From mothers with strollers to seniors with walkers, our parks are increasingly welcoming to all. Covid has forced us to reel in so many programs that were designed to get seniors out and about in the community. Our primary accomplishment during this time has been to roll out an e-newsletter, which focuses on highlighting programs that are still available virtually or otherwise. Since one of our goals was to introduce intergenerational programs, this e-newsletter is a great venue to bring people together to enjoy what Yarmouth has to offer, even if it’s just a drive through town during the holidays, guided by our map of decorations and lights. We have delivered 3 rounds of cards and letters written by people of all ages to our folks who are in assisted living/nursing homes. Even though our preference is to keep people in their homes, for our residents who are housed in Yarmouth facilities, we want them to know that they are thought and cared about. An
upcoming feature will be the contribution of recipes for anyone (everyone) who is sick of their own cooking but might be willing to share a recipe with others. We look forward to building on the original plan and reconstituting our work groups, as well as building on the collaborations that will allow Yarmouth to become even more age friendly. Yarmouth AIP is becoming known as the go to place for seniors who are looking for some support as well as their adult children near and far who need information to keep their parents at home. AARP has become a valued partner for keeping us connected to other communities as we each seek out solutions that best meet the needs of our older residents.
Yarmouth AIP Plan - Communication and Coordination of Services Domain Team (CCSDT) Antonina Pelletier, Mary Lynn Engel, Kathleen Connelly, Eva Then, Jan Day Item Action Responsible Party Cost Benefit A Create town bulletin boards for CCSDT and Raelene Bean. Have Minimal - printing costs. CCSDT will Seniors will have a known location information posting @Town Hall already received permission from be responsible for updates and where pertinent information will be and Library Bulletin boards and Nat Tupper and Heidi Grimm. maintaining boards posted. document holders available in both places. Neither location is currently open due to COVID. B Enhanced/regular communication CCSDT to craft messages and Jan Minimal. Communication by email Seniors will receive regular updates with senior stakeholders. Seniors Day has offered to f/u with or phone by volunteers. where they live or socialize. who have volunteered their emails stakeholders. and stakeholders from community organizations receive regular email communications. C Distribute Senior Newsletter 4 x CCSDT for content. Distributed $150 each quarter. Paid for by local Seniors will receive information year. At start of COVID we were locally by volunteers (tbd) at businesses that cater to seniors. and be able to more fully distributing 500 copies of Senior venues where seniors spend time. participate in social activities/learn Newsletter at community locations. about topics of interest. Since October we have been sending monthly enews with focus on events and information that will keep seniors engaged and informed. These include virtual events such as online theater events as well as opportunities to be out and about in Yarmouth but socially distanced such as holiday light show map. Expect to continue with communications in the Notes, Forecaster, and Press Herald. The Notes prints regular announcements. Forecaster gives us occasional coverage. Press Herald offers infrequent coverage.
D Create and distribute a brochure CCSDT - Antonina Pelletier, Mary $300 funds remaining from CDBG Residents will learn about the AIP about AIP with Senior Resources Lynn Engel Project, how to participate, and List attached. where to receive services. This was created by summer of 2017. Needs to be updated. E AIP table at town events/fairs. We Janet Nolan and Jane Auchincloss Minimal once we have other PR AIP will become more widely were present at multiple events in have offered to help coordinate pieces created. known with other audiences. collaboration with Yarmouth this. Community Services and the Library. Item Longer Term Projects Considerations F Creation of website or enhanced connection to YCAN website. YCAN is becoming known as go to place for info about local services. Work with the YCAN website administrator to keep our communications Connections to other community websites is desirable. updated. G Permanent signage about AIP project. See Cumberland’s signs. More important if Yarmouth becomes Age No permanent signage other than at our document holders in the LIbrary Friendly Community (AARP) and Town Hall. Before COVID we were becoming quite well known. H Designation of Senior Resource Manager. Possible contract with SMAAA or other. Yarmouth contracted with SMAA to hire a Resource Specialist who has been working with Yarmouth seniors since fall of Fall of 2017.
Yarmouth AIP Plan - Economic Security Domain Team Penny Gage, Carole Spruce, Kent Allen Item Action Responsible Party Cost Benefit A Prepare a handout which gives ESDT- the team is able to assist Minimal - copy costs Residents (esp seniors) will reduce information about all tax with completion of applications for their tax liability. exemptions that residents may be Yarmouth’s new STAY ordinance. entitled to. Handout completed. Senior Tax Assistance Yarmouth. Needs to be updated. STAY Town employees take care of program (available starting application completions. 2018)was huge success with Town Council increasing the amount set aside in the second year. B Promote food security by ESDT Minimal - publicize in The Notes, Seniors will have greater food publicizing Food Pantry, Meals on Senior Newsletter. Handouts on all security. Wheels, Community Cafes, and As but Food Pantry are available from you Like it food vouchers (SMAAA). SMAAA Completed and updated every year. Needs to be updated now. C Prepare a handout on affordable ESDT in collaboration with Minimal - copy costs Seniors will have information on housing for seniors in Yarmouth. Yarmouth Senior Housing and affordable housing options Completed and updated every Yarmouth Falls year. Needs to be updated now. D Prepare a handout on fuel ESDT - Carole Spruce to connect Minimal - copy costs Seniors will have information and assistance - what is available and with GA from Freeport re: the be able to access fuel assistance how to apply. Promotion of application process for YCAN Fuel information. window inserts (inside storm and LIHEAP programs. Food Pantry windows) available to food pantry staff can provide window inserts customers. info. Completed and updated every year. Needs to be updated now. Window inserts program not initiated. Collaborations with neighboring towns recommended.
Item Longer Term Projects Considerations B Home delivery of food pantry and Hannaford On the Go Service Collaboration with Food Pantry, YCAN Senior Rides, and Hannaford. Limited food pantry delivery available and during COVID Yarmouth Community Services assists with delivery from Hannaford as requested. We had reached out to Hannafor about Hannaford On the Go Service. There was a charge. Should re-visit. E Organize a Forum on Economic Security that addresses seniors’ concerns Collaborate with SMAAA and Library. and possible solutions (that are already available). 2018 Forum on Economic Security conducted. Very well received.
Yarmouth AIP Plan - Health Services/Support Domain Team (HSSDT) Jane Auchincloss, Catherine Gentile, Jessica Walton, Rich Kindelan, Nan Volk Item Action Responsible Party Cost Benefit A Expand Project Reassurance - letter EMS (Rich Kindelan) in Minimal - letter and handout sent Vulnerable seniors will receive and handout to explain the process; collaboration with Public Safety out with other town mailing and regular contact; reduce emergency include information on “Knox Box” to available at other designated calls; more connection to the allow home entry locations community Project Reassurance letter updated and circulated widely in town. Time for another update and re- circulation. Knox Box project not completed. B Produce handout on Adult Day Care HSSDT - Jane Auchincloss and Minimal - cost of handout shared Seniors and their caregivers will in the area. Jessica Walton with Day Care Providers have daytime support, delaying Handout completed and distributed. entry to full time institutional care Update needed? C Produce handout about Caregiver HSSDT in collaboration with Minimal - some handouts already Caregivers receiver appropriate Support Programs SMAAA, Sacred Heart available from SMAAA, others will support to allow them to continue Materials produced and Alzheimer’s Support Group, share cost with providers taking care of loved ones at home. distributed.Update needed especially YMCA and Baysquare Parkinson’s re: our Agency on Aging Resource Groups Specialist who has resources and coordinates sessions (right now only zoom sessions). D Compile list of AA meetings in HSSDT - Jane Auchincloss None - available from AA Portland Seniors and their caregivers will Yarmouth area. have access to AA meetings every List compiled and distributed. day E Explore the topic of “starting the HSSDT - Jane Auchincloss and None Talking about aging and the conversation” with families about Nan Volk in conversation with supports needed will become more their loved ones’ changes in health the AIP Senior Advisory Council normalized in family conversations. status and supports needed Provided evening seminar on end of life case. Also a day long workshop on planning for changes in health status and supports needed.
Yarmouth AIP Plan - Health Services/Support Domain Team (HSSDT) Page 2 Item Longer Term Projects Considerations A Explore “Community Paramedicine” potential. Several conversations with Collaboration with EMS and Public Safety; potential statewide program EMS and Public Safety but no plans made. Change in personnel put this that has challenges re: funding/staffing. on back burner so could be re-visited now. E Offer Elder Care 101 and 102 : Starting the Conversation and Easing the Collaborate with Yarmouth Community Services and SMAAA. Transition. Our Agency on Aging Resource Specialist provides on-going sessions on Caregiver Support. Need to explore if other topics are needed. Ask Senior Advisory Committee. Offer community “health clinics”. Have not been explored. Collaboration with local medical practices and EMS at venues in the F community such as the annual Health Fair. Investigate access to GOOLD assessment (now Change Healthcare) with Information available from Office of Aging and Disability Services, Office G the goal of providing information to the AIP population about eligibility of Family Independence, and Change Healthcare. Also collaborations for home care (especially subsidized) services. Materials produced and with local physicians. distributed. Due for an update and use our Agency on Aging Resource Specialist to guide our work.
Yarmouth AIP Plan - Housing Options and Modifications Domain Team (HOMDT) Steve Reddy, Tim Brandon, Greg Sanborn, Bruce Mayberry, Ed Ainsworth Item Action Responsible Party Cost Benefit A Create a list of contractor/vendors HOMDT -Tim Brandon, Greg Minimal as list is compiled by the Seniors will have access to vendors that want to be part of an AIP Sanborn, Steve Reddy team; and in collaboration with willing to adjust rates and be “vetted” list Cumberland AIP otherwise responsive to senior List completed. Needs to be needs. updated and more widely disseminated. B Create an application process for HOMDT, especially Tim, Greg, and Minimal as application process and *Seniors will receive assistance taking on home modification Steve estimates for the work are done at with making their homes meet projects. This was the focus of no charge. their changing needs. much work. We discussed with other communities how they were accomplishing this work. However, each time we got close to the application process, the questions about vetting applicants and liability came to a head. We were pleased to finally become partners with Portland Habitat for Humanity Critical Home Repairs Program. We did roll it out to the community but so far no applicants were approved. There are numerous dwellings that would qualify so I see this as a renewed focus for our work. C Create a “user friendly” description HOMDT - Bruce Mayberry, Ed Minimal for printing of handout. Seniors will be able to easily apply of the key provisions for accessory Ainsworth, in collaboration with for and meet the provisions for apartments in Yarmouth. Help town staff, specifically code accessory housing, resulting in residents distinguish between enforcement and town planner. more affordable and supportive accessory apartments and other Have had preliminary meeting with living arrangements. shared living arrangements. town planner. Working with town departments
(zoning) and those involved with Comprehensive Planning Dept. Have been told that this should not be a heavy lift. Had just begun the work as Covid hit so have gone back to the drawing board with those that can assist us. Covid priorities (town departments) have put this on a back burner. Item Longer Term Projects Considerations B HOMDT and volunteers will take on home renovation projects. Steve Reddy of Blue Sky Mobility has agreed to oversee this project. We’ll See Habitat Critical Repair Program (above). This will be a renewed focus need volunteers to support the work. Costs to be shared by for us. homeowners, in-kind donations, and grants. C Undertake a conversation with the planning board for obtaining Having already met with town planner, we have been made aware that exceptions to the ADU provisions for those who don’t have access to changes to the provisions could allow for exceptions to this provision. town water and sewer. This will be part of the conversation with town departments re: accessory apartments. (see above) Need to consider other categories of living units that will appeal to seniors who need to downsize, especially where finances are an important consideration. D Consider coding changes that encourage “universal access”, to address This item was just requested by member of Senior Advisory Council; issue of “visitability” in homes. Only under discussion. Have not had could/should? be part of our town planning. substantive conversations about this project. * Younger residents with disabilities could also receive assistance.
Yarmouth AIP Plan - Indoor and Outdoor Accessibility Domain Team David Jones and Pam Adams (and friends) This plan has not made as much progress as I would have liked or anticipated. The makeup of the group changed in that the original team members dropped out and we re-formulated the team. What has been accomplished has mostly been in collaboration with the Yarmouth Community Services department in that they oversee all our parks and outdoor spaces. This is a positive development in that Yarmouth as a community is taking more ownership for moving accessibility forward. One of our biggest accomplishments was getting a handicap accessible ramp and parking spaces at Royal River Park where many community concerts and other events occur. YCS sets out temporary handicap parking signs for events such as Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day observances. New UA paths are being developed and in general the town has made a commitment to improving accessibility throughout our community. New goals to be developed with YCS. Item Action Responsible Party Cost Benefit A Benches (6?) for Yarmouth trails IOADT - Pam Adams and David Between $500-1,500 (no back or Greater comfort and accessibility especially at the trailheads Jones in collaboration with Dan back) to be paid for as “Memorial” for people with mobility issues. Ostreye and Kyle Warren or from other organizations. B Bird watching activity at Sandy IOADT - Pam Adams and Ann None Seniors (and others) will have Point Thayer access to a popular activity for retired people C Big Trikes/spring field day, (June David Jones to contact ME PR for the event. Other costs are Seniors will have access to fun 2017?) Adaptive and Dept of Recreation an unknown since planning hasn’t outdoor activity even if they have and Leisure Studies at USM; begun. Some donated services are mobility issues. Multi-generational. Coordinate with YCS and Senior expected. Olympics. Item Longer Term Projects Considerations B Bird watching station at Sandy Point Available from YCS? Karyn has a bird blind that could be used. B Team to be available for telephonic conversations Need dependable team to ensure availability. about home bird watching D Raised garden beds (accessible to wheelchairs) that At Bartlett Circle, Yarmouth Falls, Library, other? Ask Rotary and Lions to help. Hancock for are available to the public. Have not built raised lumber? Estabrooks will help with plants Need source of water. garden beds that are available. Alternatively we have done a community event for building of raised beds at peoples’ homes. Not done 2020 due to Covid; perhaps will be able to put this together in 2021.
E Town Sidewalk Inventory to determine This is on town’s agenda. Per Nat he is asking for a sidewalk inventory from reserve funds. walkability/accessibility of our streets Village Plan - sidewalks/parks are on the town radar screen. Request an AIP rep to be involved. Participated in conversation around needed improvements/upgrades to our town sidewalks. Members of the accessibility team participated in the actual inventory of all town sidewalks to be included in community planning. F Outdoor toilets for trailheads. Cost and appearance. See toilets at RR Park. YCS oversees this. G Enhanced water access for disabled residents Ramps, platforms, beach wheelchairs. Could Florida Power and Light help? We’ve begun planning for a handicapped accessible fish platform with Yarmouth Community Services. H Indoor walking at the mall Need bus transportation; YCS will consider offering once a month starting in Dec. I Visitability: ramps allow disabled entry to homes. Make suitcase portable ramps available out of medical loan closet. Cost is $500+
Yarmouth AIP Plan - Social Participation Domain Team Kyle Atwell, Marlise Swartz, Raelene Bean, Marcia Dedekian, Heidi Grimm, Karyn MacNeil Item Action Responsible Party Cost Benefit A Compile a list of social - SPDT: Heidi Grimm (library) None other than printing costs for Seniors will have access to many opportunities available at various - Kyle Atwell in collaboration with list. social opportunities in one list. venues and organizations. List of Karyn (YCS) social opportunities at multiple - Marlise Swartz Baysquare public sites around town was compiled programs, all churches and updated yearly until 2020. - Raelene Bean VIS, Senior Coffee Because most activities were in Social at Yarmouth History Center person opportunities, these - Marcia Dedekian 317 Main, updates have been put on hold for Yarmouth Men’s Group now. Please see Communications update re: virtual and other social participation events. B Offer targeted rides for a few Heidi Grimm and Karyn MacNeil to None. Drivers are volunteer. Seniors who don’t have a ride or programs already available. help publicize the program. Jean someone to go with will be more Movies and PACES program at the Rafford and YCAN Senior Rides. likely to participate in these Library and rides to park and ride programs. for participation in YCS adult field trips. This was accomplished on a limited basis before Covid. Drivers who had been paired with a senior sometimes offered them rides to other social events. Because our senior rides program had to discontinue for now, we are only able to provide very limited rides and occasionally pay for a taxi ride. No social rides at this time.
Item Longer Term Projects Considerations A Collaborate with Heidi and other town staff/organizations to create Yarmouth Arts is currently working on a community calendar. YCS has Community Calendar. Kyle Atwell has volunteered to assist with this ongoing brochure for their offerings. Want to emphasize multi- effort. At this point we determined it made the most sense to link our generational opportunities quarterly newsletter with other community organizations so that people could find what they are looking for throughout the year. The Senior Advisory Council has been a major avenue for letting seniors know what is going on in town. We’re also linked to Yarmouth Community Services, the town library, and the Chamber of Commerce who are available resources for town events. Our SMAA Resource Specialist is also aware of events both locally and regionally. C Look at options such as Senior College in Yarmouth. Has not been Will Senior College come to Yarmouth for just a few programs? accomplished yet. Occasional seminars are presented at the library, such as Being Mortal-end of life planning. D Offer additional programs as noted on the Community Survey: game Use the Senior Advisory Council to vet these ideas and help us with nights, dances, arts and crafts, etc. Prior to Covid monthly game day was planning. offered at a church in Yarmouth - hosted by the Boy Scouts. AIP Coordinator attends the Yarmouth Community Services Program Committee to bring ideas forward for arts and crafts and other requested programs.
Yarmouth AIP Plan - Transportation Domain Team Jean Rafford, Rae Garcelon, Rayle Ainsworth Please note that during Covid YCAN has cancelled senior rides. We have made funds available to hire local taxi when needed. Otherwise, seniors are encouraged to ask friends for assistance. Yarmouth Community Services has a program to pick up groceries for those unable to shop. Item Action Responsible Party Cost Benefit A Need several people for back up TDT Jean and Rae None Seniors will have coverage when phone coverage for YCAN Senior Jean is not available. Rides Members of YCAN take turns with phone coverage. B Rides Coordinator to receive a Jean in collaboration with YCAN Monthly phone fee -paid by YCAN; Seniors will have coverage when mobile phone. Phone purchased phone has been purchased. New # Jean is not at home. - 329-7295. C Recruit more drivers from condo Rae Garcelon and Rayle Ainsworth Minimal - copy costs for posters Yarmouth Senior Rides will be able associations, churches, etc will create poster and script for to respond to more and short newsletters to enhance driver notice requests. recruitment. Posters created and distributed. More drivers have been recruited. D Utilize another transportation TDT and YCAN Funding from YCAN or other? YCAN Senior Rides will be able to meet company (like ITN-Independent has approved $500 for this service needs beyond the all volunteer Transportation Network, and RTP- for customers with financial needs. drivers. YCAN support addresses Regional Transportation Program) financial needs. to meet demand when no drivers are available. Have used ITN/RTP and Yarmouth Taxi as needed. E Partner with YCS, Library, etc to TDT; Heidi Grimm @ Library for None except time required for Seniors will participate in more offer targeted rides to social movies and PACES lectures, Karyn driver recruitment and town social events. Overcomes events. Offered rides to movie MacNeil @ YCS fpr rides to YCS collaborations. issues of no transportation and no events at library and to the drop field trip drop off point one with whom to attend. off points for YCS field trips.
Item Longer Term Projects Considerations F Consider “vetting” local Uber drivers Not completed. Limited Uber Local availability? availability in our area. G Yarmouth bus to meet needs of multiple organizations, including multi- Collaboration with other organizations and funding (grants) will be generational activities. Met with Yarmouth Community Services to needed. Handicapped accessibility is desired. discuss collaboration for town bus. Determined that the cost would make this not feasible at least for now. Yarmouth is engaged in multiple costly municipal projects now (all school buildings being renovated as well as Municipal garage/police, fire, and rescue buildings.
Yarmouth AIP Plan - Volunteer Domain Team Lynn Hynes, Valerie Hamilton, Eva Then Item Action Responsible Party Cost Benefit A Develop a culture of VDT - recruit volunteers through Minimal - PR to be accomplished Additional residents will volunteer “Volunteerism”, celebrating those the schools and throughout the via The Notes, Senior Advisory and those who need assistance will who volunteer. Emphasize community. Council, school communications, be less reluctant to ask for reciprocal volunteering. Continued and Senior Newsletter - see assistance. to recruit volunteers through our Communication Plan. email network and other community events B Develop a GoogleDoc spreadsheet Lynn Hynes, Eva Then to recruit None We’ll be able to match up/keep to keep track of volunteer needs. volunteers at the high school and track of those who want to help Google Doc created with Karyn MacNeil at YCS to provide with those who need help. categories that included dog names of those in need. walking, pet therapy, lawn work, etc. Limited use of this. See below for SMAA participation. Item Longer Term Projects Considerations B Investigate Volunteer Website such as Volgistics Minimal monthly fee and someone needs to maintain the website. Volgistics determined not to be a good option for us. SMAA Resource Seniors may not be comfortable using website. Specialist helped us coordinate volunteer efforts. B Development of our own Volunteer Website Valerie Hamilton is working on this project which may have a higher With the urging of SMAA, we decided to roll out Phone Pal, Friendly price tag but eventually may meet our needs even better. Visitor, and Handy Helper program as of Fall 2018. Due to COVID considerations we are only running the Phone Pal program. YCAN has agreed to support this work with whatever background checks are requested.
You can also read