More seniors seeking the comforts of home
”Aging in place” keeps community connections beyond retirement
Nicole Gonzalez
for The Mirror

HP is a NORC!

This may look like the coded short-hand of a teenager’s text-messaging, but the letters actually belong to senior citizens. And for many, the designation often spells relief.

NORCs, or Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities, are “communities or neighborhoods where residents remain for years and age as neighbors,” according to the website www.seniorresource.com. Unlike retirement communities or senior housing facilities purposefully built to serve the particular needs of older adults, NORCs develop organically. With NORCs – like Highland Park – residents are able to age “in place,” without having to relocate, drawing on the existing services and resources around them.

“It has meant so much to us to be able to stay in the house that we have lived in for 54 years now,” says HP resident Adelaide Mantarro, in her middle 80’s. “This is where we are comfortable. This is where our family is.” Mantarro’s sentiments echo those of 89% of seniors, according to a 2005 AARP survey: they want to remain in their current residence for as long as possible.

H.P. one fine example

The services in Highland Park have made this a possibility for many seniors. Through the borough’s Office on Aging, seniors have quick access to local transportation, an outreach worker, health insurance counseling, blood pressure checks, postal services, and educational seminars as just a few examples. “Our friends frequently use the services around here. It’s been a real lifesaver for many of them,” says Mantarro.

NORCs and the goal of aging in place served as the focus of discussion on May 12th at a Mothers’ Day Lunch held at the Highland Park Senior/Youth Center. Sarah Pallone, wife of congressman Frank Pallone, spoke to residents “because she is interested in finding out their needs and determining what services they feel are vital to maintain and improve their quality of life here in Highland Park,” says Sheila Flamm, Director of Community Services. “Our seniors are very appreciative of the services available here in Highland Park. They are very interested in remaining active in their community and they are excited that their needs and opinions are being considered,” Flamm notes.

Mrs. Pallone also announced the allocation of nearly $300,000 to the Jewish Federation of Central New Jersey for NORC improvement projects throughout the region, according to Andrew Suvall, communications director for the congressman. Increased access to social work and health care services, meal delivery and recreational opportunities for seniors have already begun in Elizabeth and Union as part of the appropriations. “Not only does the program enable seniors to live in their homes with dignity, but it also saves taxpayers tens of thousands of dollars per person . . . [it’s more] cost effective to care for seniors at home instead of institutional settings,” writes Steve Wechselblatt for the Jewish Federation.

At the luncheon, Sarah Pallone encouraged seniors to identify areas of need. “And we encourage others – even caregivers – to contact their representatives for suggestions on areas needed,” says Suvall, the staff aide.

Big wheels keep on turnin’

Frequent suggestions from Highland Park seniors surrounded the senior busing, according to Flamm. Currently, two drivers are employed by the borough including one full-time bus driver and one part-time driver of a minivan that transports seniors to scheduled medical appointments. “Many seniors are concerned about the interruption of services if a driver should get sick or go on vacation,” says Flamm. The age and condition of the buses is also a concern. “We have to make sure we have the most reliable, comfortable transportation possible. Our seniors are hoping Congressman Pallone will push for new vehicles and to get additional drivers,” says Flamm.

Access to dependable transportation and community supports that NORCs provide offers seniors an increased sense of independence, safety, and security of the familiar. “This is where my great-grandchildren are and nothing could take me away from that,” says Mantarro.

For her part, Flamm asserts that it’s both a responsibility and a benefit to maintain quality services for our community seniors. “As a community, we have a responsibility to help our seniors feel happy and healthy. These are the twilight years of their lives.”

Details on the borough-sponsored bus service and its schedule of stops can be found on the HP Borough’s website, www.hpboro.com or by calling 732.819-0052