Is home always the best place for our elders?

The New York Times’ New Old Age column earlier this month contrasted the lives of two people aging in place and wondered whether in at least one case if the person was better served in an assisted living facility. This actually represents an opportunity for LTC providers to educate the public about the advantages of a communal setting providing proper nutrition, socialization, and even protection.

And there is a place for LTC providers in the community if they choose to participate. Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities are, as the name implies, places where seniors have naturally congregated and lived for years. In these community models such as The Village at Brookline in Boston, services come to the seniors.

It is an opportunity for LTC providers to create community and build their word of mouth and brand. It might be a revenue generator but more so it is a way to build relationships so when people need a higher level of care they will think of you.

What does this accomplish?

It promotes independence.

It empowers seniors.

It creates an environment of personal and physical security.

It creates community.

It promotes partnerships.

It broadens your service offerings.

It avoids duplication of services and increases access.

It enhances quality of life.

It encourages volunteerism.

Anthony Cirillo

Anthony Cirillo, FACHE, ABC, is president of The Aging Experience. He’s a passionate advocate for family caregivers and older adults, helping them lead a quality life through a platform of educated aging – physically, emotionally and financially. Cirillo is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives with a Masters from the University of Pennsylvania, His clients have ranged from the Cleveland Clinic, Unisys, and King Faisal Hospital in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to Carolinas Health Care, Novant Health, Wall Street startups and many more. Anthony serves on the Editorial Advisory Board for PPS Alert for Long-Term Care and is an editorial board member for the Journal of Aging and Geriatric Psychiatry.