Aging In Place in Darien - Progress Report

Aging In Place in Darien ("AIP") is on a great trajectory. About four years ago, I started writing this blog to chronicle the stages of development of an Aging in Place initiative at the First Congregational Church of Darien. Well, that project joined in with other initiatives in town. The resulting Aging In Place in Darien is now well on its way to becoming a full-fledged independent nonprofit of some form or another. The nominating committee has assembled an awesome board. Truly, I cannot get over the caliber of the people on it -- all amazingly intelligent with many perspectives and representing different agencies, groups that serve seniors, plus several highly active town residents.

In the interest of getting our group into the 21st Century, I'm posting the sorts of information I believe the public needs to be able to access easily online -- all in one place. After all, that is what AIP is all about -- one-stop shopping for links to the services for seniors. The list below is only a drop in the bucket. Hopefully, after a committee study, we'll be able to post photos and more news bursts via a blog, facebook and/or a proprietary website. But until then, I'll just keep putting up some news right here on my own blog.

Aging In Place in Darien's Mission Statement:
Helping Darien seniors live independently, comfortably and with dignity in their own homes as long as possible.


We provide information and links to all the services which help seniors live at home successfully -- transportation, handyman services, senior social and educational events, help with understanding Medicare, and other services. Anyone who is seeking information or help to stay in their homes, can call Alyssa Israel, our coordinator, at 203-202-2912. Her office is at the Darien Senior Activities Center. Her email is aipcoordinator@communityfunddarien.org.

Call or email her and become a member for free! You'll get email alerts about all sorts of events and services for seniors in our area. Alyssa also has a list of vetted service providers -- handymen, electricians, plumbers, landscapers, etc. She checks to make sure they are insured and licensed to do business in Connecticut. We also know wonderful volunteers who can help with small tasks. Please don't hesitate to call.

I've been amazed with how many services there are for seniors.

Here is a brief list of organizations AIP is connected with:

Gallivant -- the town's senior transportation provider -- 203.655.2227.
http://www.darienct.gov/filestorage/104/114/177/GALLIVANT.pdf
Half-price Taxi Vouchers -- available at Town Hall -- 203.656.7328

CT Transit Bus -- 203.202.2912 or Easy Access Minivan -- www.norwalktransit.com - 203.299.5180

Family and Children's Agency private driver -- 203.831.2900

St. Luke's Small Tasks Ministry -- run by Charlie England -
Call Charlie directly at 912-8720 or e-mail charlesengland@sbcglobal.net or call
Alyssa Israel, AIP Coordinator at 202-2912 for an extended list of vetted service providers.

The Darien Library -- www.darienlibrary.org

The Darien Senior Activities Center -- 203.656.7455
http://www.darienct.gov/content/104/114/6428/default.aspx

Darien Town Government: Department of Social Services -- 203 656-7328 phone
http://www.darienct.gov/content/104/114/177/default.aspx
Olive Hauser - Director - ohauser@darienct.gov
Inta Adams -- helping with Medicare --
iadams@darienct.gov

Senior Men's Association -- http://sma.darien.org/

The Darien Community Association ("DCA")--
http://www.dariendca.org/

The Darien Commission on Aging

Family Centers/Friendly Connections -http://www.familycenters.org/

The Community Fund of Darien (our sponsor) -- 
http://www.communityfunddarien.org/
http://www.communityfunddarien.org/Aging-In-Place.html

There is a whole lot more. And when we get our own blog, website and/or facebook pages, we'll list more connections, post more information and photographs from all our activities.