Driving over a bridge, we know the supports are there even though they can’t be seen. In much the same way, the region’s elder forum has remained mostly in the background for the past eight years, providing an unseen but vital connection that supports the region’s senior population.

The group meets every two months and the meeting size can range from eight to 20 attendees. It is, according to member Chip Griffin, “a loose-knit networking group, coming together to see how we can help.”

“Just as in the business community, nonprofits are in the silo and this helps us connect,” he said.

Over the years, participants have included members of the ambulance service, Rebuilding Together, local police, the Eldercare Network, Community Navigator, LincolnHealth, Boothbay Region Health and Wellness, local clergy, home care providers and others. Topics are wide-ranging and information is exchanged about programs. The forum was started under the sponsorship of Boothbay Harbor Rotary Club.

On Feb. 12, the group held the first of its 2019 meetings at the Rotary Clubhouse. Attendees included representatives of Boothbay Region Community Resources Council, Spectrum Generations, MaineHealth, Catholic Charities, Hospice, F.I.S.H. and Boothbay Region Health Center. Griffin, an elder law attorney, led attendees through the agenda.

Benny Borkowski of BRCRC’s Woodchucks group spoke about the firewood program. The group clears wood, not brush, from properties and provides it to people who heat their homes with it.

Borkowski said four Lincoln Academy students are providing home services to area seniors unable to pay for the work. Services can include cleaning, shoveling, raking or stacking wood. The students are available for one to two hours on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays and will help organizations and people. Borkowski invited those who would like help from the students to text him at 973-919-7249.

Patty Seybold of Boothbay Region Health Center said the office has been busier in January and February than it was last July. “Every room is full and local people have discovered us,” she told the group. Seybold said the Center's ride service may be contributing to the increase in patients.

Cindy Sullivan of Spectrum Generations spoke about its Savvy Caregiver training for those caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia, an “Aging in Place” forum scheduled for September and the “Money Minders” assistance for seniors.

Spectrum Generations Chairman Jerry Homer called attention to Healthy Living for Me. It offers health management programs.

Kathleen Arabasz, Community Navigator, said BRCRC is planning a six-week series of two-hour classes for Alzheimer’s caregivers. Arabasz said the organization is looking at respite opportunities so caregivers can attend the classes.

Other programs are a “Building Confidence” class and the AARP safe driving course. BRCRC has hired Breanna Davis to be its operations coordinator.

Seybold reported on the “People Helping People” program, which is in its fifth year and has 18 members. The program's goal is to allow those aging to remain in their homes safely. Seybold reported that on average, the program is extending the time people can remain in their homes by about four years. “The Boothbay region has become a demonstration center for how to age in place,” Seybold said.

The elder forum meets next on April 9 at the Rotary clubhouse in Boothbay Harbor. To join the forum or attend a meeting, contact Griffin at 633-6300.