Aging in Place
The New Old
In recent years, the demographics of older adults in Scarsdale and nationwide have shifted. Today’s older adults, often referred to as “The New Old,” are more active, live longer, and have higher levels of education than previous generations.
Research shows that many older adults prefer to “age in place” within their communities, avoiding the need to move for supportive services to address their changing physical, mental, and social needs. The National Association of Area Agencies on Aging recommends that local governments, businesses, nonprofits, and faith-based communities collaborate to address aging issues. Studies have demonstrated that “aging in place” is more cost-effective and yields better physical and emotional outcomes than institutional settings.
The Aging in Place Initiative, a joint effort by Scarsdale Village and SFCS, addresses the evolving challenges of our older residents who wish to remain in their homes and community. The program offers a range of services, including outreach, emotional support, in-home assessment, referral services, advocacy, education, friendly visiting, and future planning assistance.
While the Aging in Place Initiative receives funding from Scarsdale Village and the Westchester County Board of Legislators, it remains under-funded. Your donations make a significant impact, enabling SFCS to continue caring for Scarsdale’s most cherished residents.
Our Programs
Counseling and Emotional Support Services
In-Home Counseling and Emotional Support
The Aging in Place (AIP) Program offers in-home counseling and emotional support to Scarsdale’s aging residents who are homebound or have limited mobility. Our short-term services include interventions to enhance clients’ professional and social support networks, linking them to various community-based resources. We also conduct assessments of physical, psychological, and cognitive capabilities, home safety, and future planning.
Coffee and Conversation
Coffee and Conversation is a casual, open group facilitated by the AIP Coordinator that meets monthly at the Scarsdale Girl Scout House. This group promotes socialization and the free exchange of ideas. Starting in September 2018, we enhanced the program to include guest speakers addressing topics relevant to the older adult community.
Friendly Visitor Program
The AIP Coordinator manages a team of friendly volunteers who visit homebound clients. Interested volunteers should contact our office to schedule an intake interview. All volunteers undergo thorough screening before being assigned.
Vital Aging
Vital Aging Seminars
Many older adults prefer to “age in place” within their communities, avoiding the need to move for supportive services. To help seniors maintain independence and peak performance, SFCS offers Vital Aging seminars regularly. These free workshops, in collaboration with the Scarsdale Recreation Department, are open to all Scarsdale senior residents. Topics include brain-boosting nutrition, cognitive fitness, fall prevention, relationship management, long-term planning, and Medicare.
While typically held at the Scarsdale Girl Scout House on Wayside Lane, seminars are currently offered virtually.
Annual Vital Aging Fair
Since its inception in 2016, the Vital Aging Fair has become a staple event in Scarsdale. This annual fall event brings together a variety of senior service providers and vendors under one roof, offering consultations, product samples, and service information.
For more information about Vital Aging, please contact Stacey Cook, LMSW, C-ASWCM, Aging in Place Coordinator, at scook@sfcsinc.org or (914) 723-3281.
Essential Resources for Seniors
Livable Communities - Westchester County
The goal of Westchester County’s award-winning Livable Communities Initiative: A Vision for All Ages is to help seniors remain in their homes and their communities, as they grow older, with independence and dignity. The initiative works through the grassroots Livable Communities Connections (LCCs), the Livable Communities Villages and the Livable Communities Collaboratives.
About one in five residents are over the age of 60 in Westchester County. This will continue to increase as baby boomers age. People age 85 and older are the county’s fastest growing sector of the senior population. Multiple studies show that 90 percent of older adults want to age in place. Livable Communities are also needed because fewer family members and paid caregivers are available to help this growing population. https://westchesterpartnership.org/programs/livable-communities/
National Institute on Aging
NIA, one of the 27 Institutes and Centers of NIH, leads a broad scientific effort to understand the nature of aging and to extend the healthy, active years of life. NIA is the primary Federal agency supporting and conducting Alzheimer's disease research. For more information go to: https://www.nia.nih.gov
Medicare Covered Testing
Aging into Medicare on your 65th birthday is a rite of passage for many older adults—one that means navigating the system, selecting supplemental coverage in many cases, and understanding what Medicare does and does not cover. For some, Medicare is confusing, but the good news is it is also very comprehensive and covers most medically necessary tests a doctor would order. To learn more, go to:
https://www.testing.com/articles/medicare-covered-preventative-screenings-resource/
Information and Referral Service
Sometimes, all we need is a little direction. The Aging in Place Coordinator offers complimentary information and referral services tailored to senior needs. By researching and providing referrals from a vetted list of senior service providers, we ensure quality and trustworthiness. The AIP Coordinator regularly meets with local providers to maintain high standards.
Whether you need a home health aide, an elder care attorney, or a handyman, contact Stacey Cook, LMSW, C-ASWCM, Aging in Place Coordinator, at scook@sfcsinc.org or (914) 723-3281.
Make an impact today
Support our mission to empower families and enrich our community by donating to our programs and services today.