Yarmouth Aging in place

Contacts: Leigh Kirchner (leighmk2050@gmail.com) & Zany Holman (zholman@smaaa.org)

Joined the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities: 2017-05-14

Structure: 501c3 volunteer with staffing and outreach support from Southern Maine Area Agency on Aging

Highlight of 2023: Senior Showcase to show off the talents of some of our amazing seniors.  No barriers really but I look at this as the beginning of more inter generational work.  

Yarmouth Senior Showcase Featured in Lifelong Maine News, September, 2023

Yarmouth's Initiatives and Accomplishments:

Communication and Information

• Monthly e-news letter and accompanying paper version. This publication keeps older residents, family, friends, and care partners up to date about interesting events in town, services to support seniors, as well as information about Yarmouth town governance.

• Resources Specialist from SMAAA is available in Yarmouth two days a week to provide information and referrals for a range of services, locally and statewide. The Resource Specialist does home visits as well as phone calls, emails, and in-person visits.

Community Supports and Health Services

• Elevated garden boxes are provided at minimal cost to older residents once a year in the spring. A multi-generational event is in the works for next year.

• Medical Loan Closet provides a full range of assistive devices for residents with mobility challenges.

Respect and Social Inclusion

• Senior Showcase kicked off this April with the opportunity of Yarmouth seniors to "show off" interesting hobbies and talents. Participants had the chance to ask questions and we'll use the I information to design new programs. Likely to repeat this event next year.

Social Participation

• Monthly AIP meetings provide opportunities for socialization, entertainment, learning about town news, and providing input as we plan new programs/activities of interest to older adults.

Transportation (including promotion of active transportation

• Yarmouth Senior Rides is available through YCAN's volunteer drivers.