Eldercare

At the 2023 Community Problems Assembly, BUILD voted to prioritize elder care as our new focus. Our dedicated Elder Care Committee has engaged in over 20 research meetings with various professionals and providers to identify the key challenges faced by our older adults.

Key Challenges:

• Affordable Housing & Transportation: Older adults often struggle to find housing that is both affordable and accessible. Additionally, reliable and accessible transportation options are limited, making it difficult for them to attend medical appointments, run errands, and stay connected with their community.
• The "Missing Middle": Many older adults fall into a gap where they cannot afford high-quality care but do not qualify for Medicaid or other means-tested services. This leaves them without the support they need to maintain their health and well-being.
• Aging in Place: A significant majority of older adults prefer to stay in their own homes as they age. However, they often face numerous barriers, such as the need for home modifications, difficulty with home maintenance, and a lack of accessible services and social connections. These challenges can lead to isolation and a diminished quality of life.

Our Solution: The Village Model

The Village model is a community-driven approach where older adults help each other with everyday tasks, supported by a non-profit structure. This model varies , but it can provide:

• Light Housework and Home Maintenance: Assistance with cleaning, repairs, and other household tasks that can become challenging with age.
• Finding Trusted Professionals: Help in locating reliable service providers such as plumbers, electricians, and home healthcare aides.
• Social Activities and Community Engagement: Opportunities for social interaction, reducing isolation and promoting mental health.
• Connections to In-Home Care Services: Linking members to medical and personal care services when needed.

Path to Implementation:

We propose that the Lexington City Government take the lead by conducting initial surveys and drafting a framework. This framework can then be handed over to a nonprofit partner for further development and implementation. With the support of our community and local government, we can help our elders age in place with dignity and support.