Vermont Affordable Housing Coalition: News » Independent Living

Cathedral Square’s Nancy Eldridge receives National Award of Honor

reganw — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 17:23:45 +0000

Nancy Rockett Eldridge, executive director of Cathedral Square Corporation, was selected to receive the highest honor given by LeadingAge. a national organization of 5,600 not-for-profit housing and service provider organizations. The award honored Nancy for bringing people together to tackle the issues of affordable housing and health care and for her leadership in pioneering Support And Services at Home (SASH).

Nancy’s vision is an inspiration to all who serve seniors in Vermont and elsewhere with the respect, dignity, and care they deserve.

LeadingAge is an association of 5,600 not-for-profit organizations dedicated to expanding the world of possibilities for aging. They advance policies, promote practices and conduct research that supports, enables and empowers people to live fully as they age.

State cuts may lead to “musical beds” for frail, elderly Vermonters

santinal — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 15:57:28 +0000

Source: VTdigger.org, April 18, 2011, by Anne Galloway

“The Senate Appropriations Committee is poised to vote the Big Bill out Monday afternoon. Sen. Jane Kitchel, D-Caledonia, said she will not make significant changes to the House version of the budget, which was largely based on recommendations from Gov. Peter Shumlin’s office.

Kitchel said the cuts to human services programs will not be altered by the Senate, with one the exception: the Senate Finance Committee has placed a 0.8 percent assessment on dental claims that will raise between $300,000 and $400,000 in tax revenues. The money would be used to pay for substance abuse counselors in local high schools. Under Gov. Peter Shumlin’s original budget proposal, the positions were eliminated.

The House split the baby on the deepest human services cuts. Programs for the developmentally disabled and the mentally ill were slated to be cut by 5 percent; the representatives cut these programs by 2.5 percent. The reductions come on top of previous reductions of $17 million (including matching Medicaid funds) over the last three years, according to advocates.

The governor and the House also deeply cut services for elderly Vermonters. Advocates say the reductions are fiscally counterproductive. The Choices for Care program keeps elderly Vermonters out of nursing homes, and at the moment the program has a $7 million carry forward, according to Michael Sirotkin, a lobbyist for the Community of Vermont Elders.

“Advocates are always challenged by legislators who say ‘if you want your cut restored, find us the money,’ Sirotkin said. “Well in this case, we have. And the beauty of it is, we don’t have to raise taxes or take from another worthy program to do so. The money is right there and it is money that was already appropriated exactly for these purposes. It’s a win-win situation for all.”…”

Full Story: State cuts may lead to “musical beds” for frail, elderly Vermonters

PDF of Story: State cuts may lead to “musical beds” for frail, elderly Vermonters

Senior housing project takes shape in Essex

reganw — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 15:43:48 +0000

By Matt Ryan

“ESSEX — A housing development for independent senior living is slated to open in July off Susie Wilson Road in Essex.

Construction crews worked on Pinecrest at Essex, the three-story housing complex set behind Rite Aid, on Thursday morning. Pinecrest will have 51 apartments for tenants 55 and older.

“It’s kind of off the beaten path,” said property manager Michelle Kelley of Burlington-based Coburn and Feeley Property Management Inc. “It’s not too noisy, and most people like quietness in senior living.”

Of the 51 apartments, 17 will be one-bedroom units and the rest will be two-bedrooms units, Kelley said. Pinecrest will somewhat resemble Taft Farm Senior Living Community, a Coburn and Feeley senior housing complex in Williston, she said. Pinecrest will include kitchen facilities, laundry rooms, outdoor gardening, a barbershop and a beauty shop. Smoking and pets are not allowed…”

Source: Burlington Free Press, March 19, 2010

Full story: Senior Housing Project Takes Shape in Essex

For PDF of article, click here.

Slayton: Mental Health Cuts

reganw — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 17:59:38 +0000

By Tom Slayton

“(HOST) For commentator Tom Slayton, the debate about mental health care cuts in the state budget isn’t academic – it’s personal.

(SLAYTON) A close relative of mine — let’s call him Paul; that’s not his name – has been afflicted with schizophrenia since the age of 19. He is now in his 60s, and his life, even with government and family assistance, has not been easy or pleasant.

A few years ago, Paul lost the stable living situation he had enjoyed for more than 20 years. He went off his medication – not an uncommon experience for mentally ill people under stress – and became unmanageable. Shortly after that, he became homeless…”

Source: vpr.net, March 10, 2010

Full story: Slayton: Mental Health Cuts

For PDF of article, click here.

Governor Douglas announces $630,000 in grants for five Vermont communities

reganw — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 13:14:52 +0000

“Governor Jim Douglas today awarded more than $630,000 in Community Development Block Grants to South Burlington, Montpelier, Vergennes, Georgia and Bristol. At a ceremony at the American Legion Post 14 in Vergennes, the Governor announced funding for an affordable housing project for the elderly, as well as money for improvements to make the Georgia and Bristol municipal buildings handicapped accessible.

“This project will provide much-needed housing for seniors in Vergennes, with on-site services and easy access to nearby services and the community,” Governor Douglas said. “These kinds of projects are an important part of Vermont’s housing stock, particularly as more of our population seeks to remain in their communities as they age.”…”

Source: vermontbiz.com, March 5, 2010

Full story: Governor Douglas Announces $630,000 in Grants…

For PDF of article, click here.