Most older adults say they plan to “age in place” in their community, but very few have seriously considered whether this is a realistic option. Alexandria has so much to offer our senior population: excellent health care facilities, great transportation options, wonderful restaurants and a wide variety of cultural activities. The city has a great sense of community, and there are many volunteer opportunities with city boards and commissions and local non-profits. However, as we get older, it is important to think about whether our homes will continue to fit our needs during retirement and with a fixed income.
Rising property taxes, maintenance costs, rent and condo fee increases, and the need to make our homes more accessible are all important considerations. These issues are not unique to Alexandria, and our local government is working hard to come up with innovative solutions to these problems. Most residents would agree that we want our city to be a “livable” community for all ages.
In 2015 the Alexandria Council of Human Services Organizations (ACHSO) produced a comprehensive “Needs Assessment Report of the Alexandria Human Services System”, which identified affordable housing as the top issue facing the city and its residents. ACHSO and Senior Services of Alexandria (SSA) have invited a panel of local housing experts to address the issue of senior housing options at a Community Forum on Wednesday, Feb. 15. This forum will explore the current status and future plans related to affordable housing for our senior population. There will also be a panel discussion about staying in one’s home and how to adapt it to make it “age friendly,” as well as the services and programs available for seniors who wish to remain in their homes in Alexandria.
The Senior Housing Forum will take place at Beth El Hebrew Congregation, 3830 Seminary Road in Alexandria from 10 a.m. – noon with registration beginning at 9:30. This event is free and light refreshments will be provided. RSVP online at seniorservicesalex.org or call 703-836-4414, ext. 110.
This is going to be a very informative session, and we hope you will come make your voices heard at the Senior Housng Forum. We want to hear your thoughts and concerns about this very important topic.