Most of us think we have a plan in place for how we're going to age in place in our homes and/or move to a retirement community or move in with our kids. But, when the time comes, and passes, we don't do it. Because we cherish the freedom and independence that comes with living in our own homes, with our pets, and our beloved surroundings. Then, when we fall, or become ill and really can't manage on our own, we are forced into a living situation--often in a nursing home--that we didn't want and didn't plan for. Our financial resources are drained and we lose our ability to control where and how we spend the last years of our lives.

There's good news! We have among us, a skilled end of life planner, Kathleen Arabasz, who is winding down her tenure as the elder navigator for the Boothbay Region Resources Council this month. We have invited Kathleen to the Community Center to help us all do a better job of contingency planning.

Join us for a luncheon at the Community Center and a talk about How to Plan for Aging in Place and Beyond on Friday, Oct. 25 from noon to 1:30 p.m. We will supply free soup, salad, and sandwiches for the first 20 people who come. Additional people are welcome and are encouraged to bring their own lunches or bring something to share. This event is co-sponsored by the Community Center's People Helping People program and by its Empowered Patients group.