Harpswell Aging at Home

Ah, springtime. It's right around the corner, and for many of us, this time of year evokes a sense of renewal and a fresh start. If you're downsizing or decluttering, you may be feeling overwhelmed. Where can you donate items so they don't end up in a landfill, and so someone else can make good use of them?

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, there were more than 2,000 home fire deaths in 2024. We were saddened to hear the tragic news of a family of four in New Hampshire who succumbed to carbon monoxide poisoning during the holidays. Are there actions you can take to prevent such events? Absolutely!

Harpswell Aging at Home can help residents explore a wide variety of assistive and adaptive tools for everyday living. These tools are designed to help individuals with differing abilities or needs perform tasks more easily and effectively, as well as participate in daily life with greater ease.

In May 2023, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy called attention to "our epidemic of loneliness and isolation." Locally, Gayle Hays, chair of Harpswell Aging at Home's Health and Wellness Committee, noted that "many older people in our community live with loneliness and are isolated from others their own age."

Since its inception in 2015, Harpswell Aging at Home has been a community-led organization committed to helping people thrive while aging at home. However, recognizing that some people may need or wish to consider different living arrangements, HAH recently added a Home Transitions Program to the litany of services it offers.

Harpswell Aging at Home recently received a grant from Lifelong Maine, a program of the University of Maine Center on Aging. This funding is enabling us to provide more resources to our older neighbors in Harpswell.

September is upon us, bringing perfect tomatoes, cooler nights for sleeping, and perhaps a more welcome, regular schedule of activities. As your calendar empties of family reunions and summer visitors, consider whether you have time to make a positive difference in someone's life by volunteering with Harpswell Aging at Home.

The coronavirus pandemic had very few upsides, but I was lucky — I had one. My 96-year-old mother came to live with me for the last 10 months of her life. That probably would not have happened otherwise, and I learned so much during that time.

"We talk quite a bit and we had him over for Memorial Day and he met some of our friends. My husband has asked him to come along when he walks the trails here in Harpswell. They both love the exercise. Very glad we met."