July 3, 2007

With the Capital Region's elder population increasing, two organizations will hold a forum later this month about a way for retirees to remain in their homes. 
The Neighborhood Naturally Occurring Retirement Community in Albany will be the focus of the July 16 event, staged by the Albany Guardian Society and Jewish Family Services of Northeastern New York. 

"The aging population is growing rapidly in the region and there are a large number of people who will be older in a short period of time," said Miriam Adler, executive director of Jewish Family Services of Northeastern New York. 

NNORC helps people remain active and vital in their neighborhood, said Richard Iannello, executive director of Albany Guardian Society. 

"It allows them to maintain a sense of belonging and community," he said. 
When people remain in communities where they have spent most of their lives, the cost of medical and other services is reduced, as are the rates of admission to expensive nursing homes, organizers said. 

In addition, the availability of classes and workshops, events and other services can raise the quality of life for the older adults, they said. 

The state Office for the Aging awarded Jewish Family Services of Northeastern New York with a grant to develop a Neighborhood NORC, a variation on the typical high-rise NORC found in large cities. 

Albany's is one of just a handful of NORCs in upstate New York. 

Adler; Sister Jean McGinty, director of St. Peter's Home Care Services; and Michael J. Burgess, director of the state Office for the Aging, will speak at the forum, as will a resident who participates in Albany's NORC. 

The session will be from 8-11:45 a.m. at the Desmond Hotel and Conference Center, 660 Albany Shaker Road, in Colonie. Continental breakfast will be provided.