"Aging in Place" initiative being launched in Montclair

Montclair has always been a good place to live, widely praised for its richness, diversity and culture.  The township is now poised for another coveted distinction as it embarks upon an Aging in Place initiative funded by Partners for Health.  The Foundation has granted $100,000 toward the first year of this collaborative endeavor aimed at enriching the lives of area seniors – and transforming Montclair into a great place in which to grow older.

Implemented in cooperation with the Montclair Department of Health and Human Services, the project is dedicated to meeting the needs of Montclair’s senior population while advancing the Foundation’s interest in promoting the health, safety and well-being of all residents in the communities it serves.

According to Pam Scott, Executive Director, Partners for Health, the Montclair Aging in Place initiative builds upon the success of similar projects funded by the Foundation:  Verona VIBE and Caldwell LIVE.  “Both projects, coordinated by the United Jewish Communities of MetroWest NJ (UJC), strengthened activities and services for older adults along with their connection to their communities,” said Scott.  “By enhancing their quality of life, the programs enable residents to remain at home and in their neighborhoods well after retirement.”  

As an expansion of these efforts, Partners for Health funded a community assessment to identify the unique needs, challenges and assets of Montclair’s senior community.   The endeavor included a comprehensive evaluation by the Department of Eldercare Services at UJC, which incorporated focus groups, community meetings, research and data analysis. 

In the summer of 2013, the Montclair Senior Citizens Advisory Committee, with support from the Foundation, conducted a survey of residents over the age of 55.  Nearly 800 individuals shared their perspectives about living in Montclair.  “The public’s overwhelming response demonstrates the vital importance of elder living in Montclair along with the tremendous opportunity we have to improve the lives of our senior citizens,” asserted Sue Portuese, Health Officer, Township of Montclair. 

The new Aging in Place project will address key findings of the community assessment, including concerns about public transportation, pedestrian safety, parking, housing and senior activities.  The initiative will be led by Katherine A. York, PhD, who will serve as Project Director.  York offers more than 10 years of experience in the aging field, most recently helping Medicare beneficiaries navigate the complexities of public benefits as the Northern Kentucky SHIP Coordinator.  She holds a PhD in gerontology with a graduate certificate in developmental disabilities (University of Kentucky), an MBA (University of Massachusetts – Amherst), and a BS in biology (Haverford College).

York will work closely with the local stakeholders and organizations to develop senior-focused services that complement Montclair’s existing resources, such as social and recreational programs, wellness initiatives, educational offerings and additional options for both transportation and housing.  “We’re committed to improving these services to ensure that aging in place is a viable solution while fostering the physical, social and mental well-being of our senior residents,” added Portuese.

To learn more about the Montclair Aging in Place project, contact Partners for Health at (973) 746-6130.