Among the many social excursions members of Stay at Home in Wilton enjoyed last year was a trip to Sheffield Island. — Debbie McClelland photo
It used to be common practice that empty nesters head to a sunny place and purchase a condo. Today that’s not the case. Baby Boomers are living longer; have more leisure time, more disposable income, more educational opportunity, and more mobility than any generation before.
As they live their second half of life they have options available from assisted living to age-restricted communities, and continuing care retirement facilities; but these traditional options will not satisfy the desires held by many seniors who want to stay active, independent, and connected to their communities.
In 2001, in the Beacon Hill Neighborhood outside of Boston, an innovative nonprofit organization was created by residents determined to grow old in familiar surroundings. Stay at Home in Wilton is one of almost 200 volunteer-supported communities like this across the country, started by local residents who wanted to make this possible in Wilton. Experts say, it’s the wave of the future and a healthier alternative to nursing homes and assisted living centers run by large service providers.
Stay at Home will celebrate its sixth anniversary with an open house celebration on Tuesday, April 26, from 3 to 5, at the Wilton Senior Center on School Road.
Friends, members, volunteers and supporters are invited to stop by for free hors d’oeuvres, cake, music and door prizes. RSVP: Janet Johnson, executive coordinator, at 203-762-2600.
Stay at Home in Wilton is there when you need it. The organization provides practical help for members in their daily lives with troubleshooting computer problems, lifting heavy items, climbing a ladder and changing lightbulbs, completing small home repairs and providing rides when needed. Members say these services allows them to stay in their own homes and neighborhoods giving them a feeling of comfort and independence while the social events, seminars, excursions and day trips create a sense of community and belonging. Stay at Home in Wilton is an organization of giving and receiving. Members are not just takers; they are participators, contributors sharing their ideas, skills, and always their gratitude.
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