Mini Research Project #3

     The Beacon Hill Village is an inspirational location for the seniors in its community to come together and enjoy the later years of living.  As the announcer commented,a community is a place people want to live in.  This development is affordable and offers a senior medical, functonal, emotional, social and spiritual needs within its community.  Everything an older person unable to get around would need.  It also offers transportation, help with household tasks, education and day trips to go to nostalgic locations to enjoy.  This gives the older person peace of mind that they are not a burden on their families, get to socialize with people their own age, and enjoy life without so many restrictions while remaining in their own homes for as long as possible.
     As a letter carrier, I have the pleasure of seeing many elderly living alone in their own homes.  Some I question why they prefer to stay when it limits their ability to get out.  Most say they are private people and enjoy the freedom to move about as they like.  Unfortunately, they are not moving as much.  Many are stuck at home without transportation.  Others have financial difficulties maintaining their homes and their properties become a point of contention with their neighbors.  Some programs are available here in Rhode Island to ease their burden. 
     Meals on Wheels is an organization that brings specialized dinners to the homes of elderly living alone in their homes.  It is not limited to that however, they deliver to senior citizen apartment complexes too.  Anywhere a senior is located that is in need of a meal.
     Trans wick is a bus available to all seniors that will bring an individual shopping or to the doctors.  Many seniors I've spoken with dislike the hours this benefit is available and want more specialized service.  As the video for Beacon Hill Village pointed out, volunteers are required for many of their services.  This is an easier thought than reality.  Also a challenge, financial sustainability.  Many seniors and many demands can challenge even the best run program.
     There are many senior citizen housing complexes, but they require you to wait on a list for an opening.  Unfortunately, someone needs to pass for that opening to occur.  These apartments are incredible small and cramped.  Many people complain about how close together everyone is located, and nothing is private.   
     Public Senior Recreation Centers set up social functions that give a senior the opportunity to meet other people their age while enjoying an activity they all love.  Dancing, Bingo, Chess as well as smaller groups playing cards.  There are even the occasional people sitting alone putting a puzzle together or reading a book.  Refreshments are available as well as abilities to socialize with people in the neighborhood.  These centers are for all seniors and can also be used for referrals or other funcitons.
     Many homeless elders may not be aware of what is out there for them as resources.  For this reason, they remain on the streets instead of warm beds at night.  It is difficult to reach these people because they move about and many do not wish to be housed.  Unfortunately, a great number require some form of mental illness medication.  As adults, they are allowed to stay on the streets as desired until they become a hazard to themselves or others.  We as a community would be better served if we took care of these citizens with shelter, food and medical attention.
     Living in elderly communities allow seniors to live less institutonalized in a place where they can remain for the rest of their healthy days.  One of the better private locations is Shalom I, II, and III in Warwick, RI.  In buildings I and II, residents live as they wish and have an office that assists them if they have need of anything.  Once they have difficulties on their own, they may choose to move to building III, the newest and nicest of the three, where a staff of workers care for them until the end.  This building offers a large dining area, beautifully furnished, where a menu of two to three selections for dinner are available every day, every meal.  If they cannot come to the dining room, assistants will help or bring their meals to them.
     Many more facilities like Shalom I, II, and III need to be developed.  They are more accomodating to residents, less project looking and take care of residents to the end.  Instead of being scrutinized in a more public facility where everybody's business is someone else's.  For this reason alone, many seniors refuse to move out of their homes.  Privacy is the greatest priority, and enjoying their private gardens, yards, porches or just watching out their windows without nosey new neighbors gives them the greatest pleasure.