Q: I, like many seniors, want to age in my own home. I have heard people use the terms “aging in place” and “village to village” and would like to learn more about both. Can you suggest where I could start my research?
A: You are not alone in wanting to remain in your own home. Studies made by AARP indicate the vast majority of older adults want to age in place. They prefer to remain in the communities they know rather than move to a different area even though it might be more suited to their needs.
However, changing health care needs, loss of mobility, financial concerns, home maintenance and increasing property taxes present significant challenges to this simple and primary desire.
Aging in Place is made up of a range of programs that address these challenges and provide alternatives to ways people can live where they choose and yet get the help they need.
The Thousand Oaks Council on Aging is aware of the need for an Aging In Place plan and has been looking into the various plans.
Village to Village is a model in which a self-governing, self-supporting, membership-based, grassroots organization is formed to consolidate and coordinate services for the unique needs of its members, including both social and non-medical services.
Members of the Thousand Oaks Senior Adult Master Plan Implementation Team and the Thousand Oaks Council on Aging have been conducting focus groups to obtain input of potential consumers of the service if it is established in the Conejo Valley.
An informal meeting on Village to Village scheduled for 4-6 p.m. June 29 at the Grant R. Brimhall Library, Marvin E. Smith Community Room, 1401 E. Janss Road in Thousand Oaks.
This meeting will summarize the outcome of the focus groups and provide additional information about the Village to Village programs. The meeting is free and open to the public. No reservations are required.
For more information about the Village to Village movement, go to http://www.vtvnetwork.org. For more information about the Council on Aging visit http://www.toaks.org/seniors or call 381-7362.
Hope to see you at the meeting.
Q: I have used the Senior Concerns Advocacy services at the Goebel Adult Community Center in Thousand Oaks and wonder if those services are available at any other location?
A: Senior Concerns Advocacy services are available at the Goebel Adult Community Center, Simi Valley Senior Center, Moorpark Active Adult Center and Agoura Hills Recreation and Events Center.
Advocates are available to assist with questions about housing, transportation, legal issues, health related issues, in-home care, facility placement, senior programs and assistance programs. The advocates also assist with completion of forms and applications for numerous programs and services.
The advocacy services at the Simi Valley Senior Center are available every Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For information or to schedule an appointment call 583-6363.
The advocacy services at the Moorpark Active Adult Center are available on the third Thursday of the month from 9 a.m. to noon. For more information or to schedule an appointment call 517-6261.
The advocacy services at the Agoura Hills Recreation and Events Center are available on the third Wednesday each month from 9 a.m. to noon. For information and to schedule an appointment call 818-597-7361.
The main office for the Senior Advocates is at the Goebel Adult Community Center in Thousand Oaks. An advocate is available at the Goebel Center Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For information or to schedule an appointment call 495-6250.
HAPPENINGS:
June 17: “The Four Federal Government Programs You Should Understand” seminar, 1:30-3 p.m. at Westlake Village Civic Center, 31200 E. Oak Crest Drive in Westlake Village.
June 23: The Empowered Caregiver Series Presentation on “Neuropsychological Testing & Usefulness for the Caregiver,” 5:30-7 p.m. at Senior Concerns Day Care Center, 401 Hodencamp Road in Thousand Oaks. For reservations call 497-0189.
June 28: Music Comes Alive, “Keeping the Memory of Elvis Alive” with a truly rock and roll concert, 2 p.m. at Goebel Adult Community Center, 1385 E. Janss Road in Thousand Oaks. $5 admission. Tickets are available at Goebel front desk..
