Age & Ability-Friendly Bucksport

Contact: Vanessa Newman (consultant@bucksportbayhealth.org)

Joined the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities: 2016-06-24

Structure: Municipal staff with all-volunteer committee

Highlight of 2023: Starting the Home Safety & Accessibility Repair Program on July 1, 2023 as it had been in the works for several years.

Age and Ability Friendly Bucksport's Initiatives and Accomplishments:

BBHCC has worked on various projects with the town and other local organizations. One example is offering a Bucksport shuttle on Mondays and Wednesdays to provide public transportation, and another was to bring dental services to the Bucksport Regional Health Center. we believe in the power of partnerships to move the work forward. 

Communication and Information

• Technology Program - Providing tablets and technology training to older adults through BBHCC and RSU25

Community Supports and Health Services

• BBHCC collaborates with the Town of Bucksport in assisting the town in achieving the goals of the town’s Age-Friendly Action Plan. One example of this partnership includes the Thrive program, the goal is to allow residents to remain in their homes and the community safely and comfortably. A healthy living assessment is offered to determine areas of need. The assessment is reviewed and a BBHCC volunteer meets with the individual or care partner to establish a plan with follow-up support provided. Anyone can participate in this program whether it’s a care partner or a self-referred consumer.

• Affordable Meal Program/Delivery - Provided by the Bucksport Area Senior Center on M,W, F in person and deliveries

• Good Morning Program - Weekly phone calls to older adults who are homebound or have elected to receive calls to have regular connections to community members

• Strength Training Program - Virtual exercise class on Tuesdays and Fridays instructed by BBHCC volunteer and Board member

• Thrive - (Formerly Thriving in Place) to assist adults with getting access to local resources and support so they can remain safely in their homes and community. Includes an assessment 

Housing

• Home Safety & Accessibility Repair Program - Starting in July, this program will be a partnership between the Town of Bucksport, Habitat for Humanity and BBHCC

Outdoor Spaces and Public Buildings

• Social media campaign to raise awareness of the benefits of increasing accessibility in public areas and in private businesses

• Small grants to businesses that agree to complete an accessibility assessment and make needed changes

Social Participation

• Weekly virtual discussion groups.

• Partnership with Senior Center to offer a wide range of social programming

Transportation (including promotion of active transportation

• Bucksport Shuttle on Mondays and Wednesdays and 

• Taxi service on Wednesdays. 

• Excursion to Bangor on a monthly basis.