Picture this:
A centrally located active aging center, accessible by public transportation and with sufficient parking, and with the following:
- A hub for social and community services
- Medical, behavioral, and mental health services
- Pharmacy and medication management services
- An adult day center with options for adult day health
- Activities and programming such as exercise classes, technology education, and socialization opportunities
- A dining space, commercial kitchen, and food pantry
- Childcare and other intergenerational programming
- Outdoor spaces including pickle ball courts
- Flexible spaces for classes, workshops, meetings, and presentations
For the past two years, with support from WNC Bridge Foundation and the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina, a steering team made up of professionals and volunteers has worked with a consultant from Ibis Enterprises to explore this concept and determine the feasibility & viability of developing an Active Aging Center – a centralized, integrated aging services destination for Buncombe County.
The objectives of this work included creating an innovative, vibrant, welcoming center, and developing a comprehensive business plan for an aging services destination with a collaborative approach addressing the social determinants of health.
The Steering Team includes representatives and leadership from Buncombe County Health and Human Services (lead), Council on Aging of Buncombe County (lead), MountainCare (lead), Land of Sky Area Agency on Aging, YMCA of WNC, Buncombe County Library Services, MAHEC, UNC Asheville, Mountain Mobility, City of Asheville Parks and Recreation and community members.
Research included studying five North Carolina counties with similar projects (Ashe, Chatham, Durham, Forsyth, and Orange); conducting community interviews and listening sessions; and, conducting a market analysis of demographic trends, aging services utilization, site reviews, and ownership and operations management. Over the last 2 years, this vision has become more solidified and the team is moving from the visioning phase to project implementation.
Next steps include:
- Finalizing ownership and operations model
- Determining and obtaining funding
- Confirming and finalizing community partners
- Identifying, selecting, and securing a location
- Engaging an architect
- Preparing for construction
- Opening for business (goal date: January 2024)
If you are interested in learning more about this project or have ideas about funding and/or location ideas, please email age.friendly@buncombecounty.org.
We plan to utilize this blog to provide updates regarding this project in the coming months. Stay tuned!
No comments:
Post a Comment