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the power of partnership:
Front - Christine Merchant, coordinator of Mount Vernon Aging in Place, Mary Ann Hayes, chair of Age-Friendly Fayette.
Back - Amy Blaisdell, Age-Friendly Social Worker serving older adults and families in the three towns
Living in rural Maine presents unique challenges for residents of all ages, but especially for older adults. In small, tight-knit communities like Fayette, Mt. Vernon, and Vienna, connection and involvement are essential to a fulfilling life. Over the past year, these towns have worked together to create a community that feels inclusive and safe for older adults aging in place. Since 2019, Aging In Place Mt. Vernon and Vienna have collaborated to help older adults access the resources and support they need to continue living comfortably and safely in their homes. In the past year, Fayette All Age Friendly joined the effort, further strengthening the mission and enhancing services for aging residents across the region.
Two part-time staff support this initiative. Christine Merchant was hired as Outreach Coordinator and brings years of experience with aging and disability services and a passion for community inclusiveness. She was inspired by the creativity and collaboration she saw in other age-friendly communities working together to reach those who might otherwise fall through the cracks. Amy Blaisdell-Perez, LSW, has been available to meet with people individually and by appointment at the two community fairs, the town hall, and the municipal library.
Events
Events
Some of Mount Vernon’s first initiatives were Caring Callers, a project started during COVID that connects older people for social calls; updating a Resource Directory (originally started by the Community Partnership Committee in Mt. Vernon); and then Monday Muffin Mornings. Originally started in Mt. Vernon and Vienna, these were expanded to Fayette in July last year. These monthly gatherings offer more than muffins; they create meaningful connections, great conversation, and practical support. Guest speakers frequently attend, providing information on topics such as caregiving, scams and fraud prevention, end-of-life initiatives, a green burial site visit, decluttering, acupuncture, and more. These events help residents stay informed, connected, and empowered to age in place successfully.
In October 2024, the three towns held a community health fair at the Mt. Vernon community center, with various regional and local organizations participating. Back by popular demand, a second fair will be held this coming October, including the Mobile Health Unit from Franklin Memorial Hospital/Maine Health.
Earlier this year, a community resource fair was held in Fayette, with a wide range of vendors including the VA, Fayette Library, Center on Aging, Fayette Fire Department, Neighbors Driving Neighbors, and many more. The resource fair was a great way to further connect the Fayette community to age-friendly efforts already established in Mt. Vernon and Vienna. At this fair, residents were encouraged to use their voices and fill out an aging-in-place survey, collecting information on housing, communication, transportation, and community activities. The committee hopes to utilize this information to improve services for all aging-in-place seniors.
Surveys
Surveys
Brief Aging in Place Survey was conducted last October to allow community members to share their thoughts and concerns through open-ended responses. The results revealed that 54% of respondents praised Neighbors Driving Neighbors as a key resource supporting their aging in place journey. Additionally, more than half desired increased community connection and engagement. The survey also gathered important feedback about residents' challenges and concerns when aging in their homes.
A more detailed survey was distributed at the resource fair mentioned earlier, designed to gather insights into transportation, housing, and community engagement. Community members could share their personal experiences through open-ended responses while completing adaptive multiple-choice questions tailored to their answers. The survey was made widely accessible, available in person at the fair, online, and by mail, to ensure maximum participation. Now closed, the survey has gathered valuable data to help the aging initiatives in Fayette, Mt. Vernon, and Vienna strengthen their support systems and make meaningful improvements for older adults. While results are still being analyzed, the committee is excited to share the final findings with the community soon!
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