There's No Place Like Home

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Forget retirement communities. Most of us would rather remain in the homes where we've lived for years, raised our families and know our neighbors.

The question is: How can aging in place be made safe, comfortable and—yes—fun? Come learn about an innovative model based on Beacon Hill Village in Boston that's being embraced by communities across the nation.

On Sept. 6, from 2:30-3:30 p.m., as part of the three-day Life@50+ National Event and Expo, WAMU radio host Kojo Nnamdi (http://wamu.org/programs/kn/) will moderate a session entitled “There's No Place Like Home: An Innovative Model for Neighbors Helping Neighbors Age and Thrive at Home.”

Nnamdi will provide an overview on Beacon Hill Village, a full-service concierge program dedicated to linking older residents of the Beacon Hill neighborhood with anything from a ride to the doctor's office to house painting services to free lectures and exercise classes that has sparked grassroots movements across the country. Members must live in the neighborhood and pay an annual fee.

The model spurred neighborhood organizers in the District area and nationwide to join with neighbors and work toward establishing their own “one-stop” centers to arrange for a wide range of services and activities. Since these are not "cookie cutter" communities, each one is working to develop a “village” that meets its residents' unique needs and interests.

At the Sept. 6 session, the president of Capitol Hill Village, the first such organization to open its doors in the District, along with the presidents of 3 other area Villages in development—Mount Vernon at Home, Palisades Village and Pennsylvania Avenue Village East—will share their journeys from the dream to the reality of keeping their houses their homes for the long, long term. Whether you're planning for your own future or thinking about a loved one, this session is a can't miss.

“There’s No Place Like Home” will be held at the Washington Convention Center. Participation in this session requires registration at the Life @50+ National Event and Expo (http://www.aarp.org/events).

Divided We Fail Long Term Care Platform
http://www.aarp.org/issues/dividedwefail/about_issues/divided_we_fail_platform_longterm_care.html

This Bold House
http://www.aarpmagazine.org/lifestyle/Articles/a2003-08-28-bold_house.html

Universal Design Features of the AARP Andrus House
http://www.aarp.org/states/dc/articles/universal_design_features_of_the_aarp_andrus_house.html

Home Repair and Universal Design
http://assets.aarp.org/external_sites/caregiving/preparing/home_repairs.html

Other Resources
Beacon Hill Village
http://www.beaconhillvillage.org

Capitol Hill Village
http://www.capitolhillvillage.org

Dupont Circle Village
http://www.dupontcirclevillage.org

Kalorama Village
http://www.kaloramavillage.org

Palisades Village
http://www.palisadesvillage.org

Pennsylvania Avenue Village East
http://www.pavevillage.org

DC Office on Planning’s Senior Villages in the District of Columbia:
A New Age-At-Home Initiative
http://www.planning.dc.gov/planning/frames.asp?doc=/planning/lib/planning/senior_villages_in_the_district_of_columbia.pdf