Coastline Elderly Services, Inc.
...Dedicated to helping older Americans live noble, independent, and purposeful lives

John Lawton

Coastline's Supportive Living Program Allows Seniors to Remain in the Community
By Abrah J. Salk

Growing older and aging is a scary thought for many. It often means losing your independence and moving out of the community and into a nursing home. For so many elders this is a reality – especially if you don't have any family that is able to assist you. But there is an alternative. It's called Supportive Living. Currently, there are two Supportive Living programs available in the local community. One is located at Munroe Terrace on Anderson Way in Dartmouth and the other is located at Tripp Towers on Ruth St. in New Bedford . Both are funded by the state and available through Coastline Elderly Services, Inc.

These programs are unique – they provide home health aides that are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Anytime an elder needs assistance with virtually anything, they may call the supportive living line and ask for assistance. Whether it's assistance with bathing, opening a jar, running to the grocery store, or accompanying an elder that has no informal support, these aides are available. They're even available to just sit and enjoy a cup of tea with the elder. There is no nurse on site at these facilities, but the aides assist in a lot of little tasks that elders wouldn't be able to perform on their own. In addition, homecare services, case management, and structured social activities are also available.

“The program is an exciting and refreshing opportunity to allow elders to ‘age in place' and receive supportive services as well as recreational activities”, explains Kathy Nicholas, Case Manager Supervisor.

Just ask John Lawton. After having suffered a stroke in December 2000, he's been living at Tripp Towers , where Pat Foster is the Supportive Living Coordinator. He never has been one to depend on others, and thanks to the Supportive Living program, he's been able to remain independent and part of the community. Though, Mr. Lawton is a wheelchair user, he doesn't let anything stop him. He leaves his apartment daily. In the colder months, he calls upstairs to the home health aides who come down and assist him with putting on his jacket. When he needs his windows opened or shut, he calls the home health aides as well. Everyday, he has home health aides that help him get dressed and make him his breakfast. He also has someone who comes in and tidies up his place and gets his groceries for him.

Mr. Lawton feels “very fortunate to live at Tripp Towers ”. In addition to the wonderful services, the residents are great also. His mailbox is at the very top and because he's confined to his wheelchair, he cannot reach it. But his fellow residents always assist him and get his mail for him.

Our other Supportive Living facility is located at Munroe Terrace in Dartmouth . Dianne Mendes is the Support Living Coordinator there. She works with many elders who also feel the same way as John Lawton – very fortunate to have an alternative that allows them to remain independent and still an active member of the community.

This story is not unique. All who partake in this program can testify to the freedom and independence that they have been able to maintain. For more information on this program or other programs that Coastline offers, please call (508) 999-6400 or email us at: information@coastlineelderly.org

Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. EST

Coastline Elderly Services, Inc. is located at 1646 Purchase St. New Bedford, MA 02740. Click Here for Driving Directions.

Contact Information:
(508) 999-6400 Main Number
(866) 274-1643 Toll Free
(508) 994-4265 TDD
(508) 993-6510 FAX
EMAIL: Information@CoastlineElderly.org