Love Living at Home

Our Mission & Philosophy Love Living at Home (LLH) is a new nonprofit organization in Tompkins County dedicated to helping older adults live in their own homes, connected to their community, as long as possible. LLH follows a national model that seeks to improve access to services, increase socialization and civic engagement, and strengthen a sense of community among its participants. With one call to the office, LLH members will access a combination of volunteer assistance and community resources, as well as support in problem-solving for individual solutions. We do not duplicate existing resources but help seniors move through the maze of options. Seniors living at home have peace of mind knowing one phone call can connect them to the support they need. We organize programs to increase socialization and build community for members - thus helping create an independent, vibrant life filled with friends and meaningful activities. Members can meet for coffee and conversation, happy hours, walking tours and group cultural activities. Members can also form groups to share common interests. Social events are planned by members for members. Building new relationships is one of the most effective paths to achieve a positive aging experience. LLH is led by an engaged board and volunteer core of community leaders and supported by a professional staff and a host of volunteers. Volunteers are the glue that holds the Village together. Even with paid staff, volunteers represent most of the value provided to members. Volunteers will run some or all of the organization, oversee policy, serve on committees, and most importantly provide services to members. Background and Concept LLH is part of the national Village Movement of older Americans who are taking charge of their future as they age. The movement began in 2001 in Beacon Hill, MA and is spreading across the country as an “aging in place initiative.” These virtual villages address the current and unfolding challenges of an older America. LLH is a full member of the Village-to-Village Network which provides significant support and mentoring. Research has shown that the great majority of Americans want to remain in their own homes as they age, but there are few resources to make that possible for most people. The Village concept is that a community of people can pool resources by paying membership dues and volunteering their skills and time to support the Village infrastructure and assist one another. A virtual village like Love Living at Home is a mixture of taking what the community already offers and mixing it with our hopes and dreams for our future; accomplished by creating the “one call does it all” consolidated services provider. We, people in our 60’s and older, want to be in control of our own lives just as we always have been. We want to stay in our own homes for as long as possible and live a full and meaningful life well into our 90’s and beyond. We believe Love Living at Home is our answer. The LLH Backstory Love Living at Home started when the founders saw a TV news story about the Village Movement and realized it was just what they needed to stay in their homes. They gathered a group of community leaders, conducted a survey, developed partnerships with community organizations, including the Tompkins County Office for the Aging, formed the organization, and applied for and obtained start-up financial support. Now we are ready to be the gateway to relationships and resources to help older adults in Tompkins County live in the homes and neighborhoods they love. What's Next We are ready for members and volunteers to sign up. We will begin operations in October 2016. Join us for our information sessions listed on our Home Page.