Seniors Come Out for 'Stay At Home In Wilton'

If 60 residents turned out for a solely informational meeting, interest in and support for the new "Stay At Home in Wilton" program appears to be strong.

Though the formalities like incorporating as a 501(c)(3) organization and hiring a coordinator are still being worked out, "Stay At Home in Wilton" is coming together as a useful network of volunteers and services aimed at making life in town more comfortable and enjoyable for senior citizens. The organization mirrors many around the country, most specifically "Staying Put in New Canaan," from which it is drawing many of its ideas.

"The program is designed to help seniors stay in their homes rather than going into other retirement homes or, dare I say, 'expensive' facilities," said Phil Richards, who led the meeting. "It is also intended to be an opportunity for socializing... one of the key ingredients in other organizations is that they have made it a social community in addition to a supportive community."

Aimed at residents over 50 years old, its services will include daily chore assistance, home repairs, companionship, 24-hour support contact, social events, and, perhaps most importantly, transportation coordinated with and in addition to the town's pre-existing senior transit options.

"It's not intended to be a full replacement for driving a car, but it should help provide for most transportation needs," Richards said. "The intent is that transportation will be provided either by the town facilities like Dial-A-Ride or by volunteers."

The largest concern among the meeting's attendees seemed to be how the organization would be funded, with most of the needs expected to be met through annual fees from clients and donations (particularly for start-up costs). Richards estimated the launch costs, including hiring a coordinator and marketing initiatives, would be somewhere around $100,000 and said they already had a few local organizations committed, like the Kiwanis Club.

Funding will not come, however, from any part of the town since "Stay At Home in Wilton" wants to retain its autonomy and not have to rely on tax money or tight budgets for support.

"All of these organizations around the country have specifically avoided being beholden to municipalities," Richards said. "We plan on being the same. We will use the social services department when it's appropriate, but we don't plan to have any association with it other than a very friendly one."

A number of other groups around the nation, like "Staying Put in New Canaan," and similar ones in Boston, Washington, D.C., and New York, have all seen great success in the last few years. New Canaan's version, in particular, currently has over 200 clients according to Jane Nyce, its director, who spoke at Monday's gathering.

Nyce asked the attendees how many had lived in Wilton for at least 25 years. Almost everyone raised their hands. Then she asked how many had been in town for at least 40 years, and more than half remained raised.

"There's a great reason you're here," Nyce said. "You love this place... and we want to make sure you can stay in your home and and enjoy your life in it."

Richards said they expect "Stay at Home in Wilton" to begin operations at the beginning of next year if all goes according to plan.

"Probably this afternoon, we are going to file papers for incorporation... that process I understand will take a couple weeks for the state to do their thing," he said. "We hope to be incorporated by the middle of this month and then we'll go from there."

Richards encouraged any and all residents to contact the organization with their input and additional information is available at their Web site here. He said they will be looking extensively for volunteers, as well.