Brian Williams just did an episode of a program "staying put". Anyone heard of this?

How I wished my parents would have considered a 55+ community 20 years ago instead of staying in their large home [they are in their mid 90's now] where they could have made new friends, where the community has mini-bus service to stores and doctor offices, where they are activities for Dad when he gets cabin fever, and where my Mom could become comfortable in her new home and know where everything is [she is now legally blind due to macular degeneration]. They could afford it.

But they didn't, they are in the home they have owned for the past 30 years. Way too late to downsize at their age now. Mom thinks downsizing is donating one knick-knack a year to a local rummage sale ;]

And Mom doesn't like strangers in the house, so I don't know how this volunteer program would work. Dad is the opposite and loves meeting new people. Plus how trained are these volunteers? Are they bonded and insured?

I'd like to hear what the professional caregivers think about this.

Is their a program as Brian Williams referred to that operates in Las Vegas, Nevada?

here is the link to the organization that started the "staying put" programs.

http://www.vtvnetwork.org/content.aspx?page_id=0&club_id=691012

It sounds like the kind of thing that used to happen organically, back when people lived their whole lives in the same community, were connected to each other through their religion, etc. Looking after the elders in your community/tribe/clan was just what you did. Eventually it would be your turn to get looked after.

That is not what I am referring to. This program helps keep people in their homes by having volunteers help with doc. Appts., groceries, cleaning or whatever the need might be. This is to help them with thongs they can't do anymore but with some volunteer help, they can stay "at home". Then hopefully as these volunteers abs, there would also be help for them.

Yes there are, go to web.co.lancaster.pa.us/150/Aging. Lancaster Rec operates three senior centers that offer a variety of activities for men and women age 60 and up. Craft activities, movies, fitness classes, cards, games, trips, educational presentations, special events, holiday celebrations and parties are held throughout the year. See lancasterrec.org.