Seniors stay at home with NORCs

I'm working with a young couple-Shelly and Sam- who is buying their mother's home. It's the home Shelly grew up in, and it's the home she plans to be in for the rest of her life. She told me "My children will have to carry me out of here!" Unfortunately for many seniors, this is the extent of their planning. They white knuckle their way from day to day all the while not knowing of community services that exist to help them STAY in their homes.

A Naturally Occuring Retirement Community (NORC)  is a neighborhood or community where seniors work together to stay in their homes and age as neighbors. Imagine a block consisting of the original homeowners that have organized weekly transportation to the grocer, pharmacy, doctor, and community events. A group of people who look out for each other.  Sounds like a hybrid of a community action group and an intentional community such as cohousing.

St. Louis Park, Minnesota is a pioneer. They have been working with the Administration on Aging to form a NORC group they have called Nurturing our Retired Citizens. They have formed parish nursing programs, senior resource directories, and a newsletter.

If you aren't able to find senior community resources in your area, reach out and ask. The Twin Cities has a vibrant community of senior professionals that network with each other on a weekly basis.  If you can't find the resource you're looking for, chances are there is someone in the senior profession who can point you in the right direction. 

Comments

[Kermit Johnson]

This NORC idea intrigues me. My mother passed away recently at the age of 92. She did have some brief stop-overs at the nursing homes following illnesses, and her mental status always deteriorated quickly whenever she stayed in one. I was glad she was able to return to her own home and spend the last couple of years of her life there. Staying in your home if possible is almost always the best option.

Do you have any contact information for someone who can help set up NORC's in other communities?

[Lisa Dunn]

Kermit-
I'm sorry for your loss. I'm sure your mom and your family had some comfort with her being able to stay at home. If someone were interested in starting up a NORC in their own neighborhood, I would start with contacting St. Louis Park where they've got some experience, and likely someone who can help get you started. I would also contact the County social services and your city council person to see if there is already an intiative under way.

Thank you for stopping and joining in on the conversation!