At the Boothbay region’s Elder Forum Tuesday, Sept. 10 at the Boothbay Harbor Rotary Clubhouse, service organizations were well represented and included ElderCare Network, The Community Center, Boothbay Region Health Center, New Hope for Women, Catholic Charities, Spectrum Generations, Boothbay Region Community Resource Council, Senior Y Walkers, Harborview Apartments, Maine Health and Griffin Law.

Shawn Lewin started the meeting with a request for a moment of silence in memory of Molly Pitcher.

Mary Hanley of New Hope for Women noted October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Besides displaying purple lights to remind the public about domestic violence, the organization is hoping area churches will have a “wear purple Sunday.”

Dr. Chip Teel of ElderCare Network and BRHC updated attendees on the plans underway for Kenniston House. He said the plans are to create a campus that offers a “demonstration home with education about all things ‘elderly.’”

Teel also spoke about “The End of Alzheimer’s” by Dr. Dale Bredesen, saying it is the most powerful book he has seen in a long time. “It challenges the notions that Alzheimer’s is irreversible,” he said. The group discussed the possibility of Teel and Steve Raymond giving a combined presentation about Alzheimer’s at a future meeting.

Community Navigator Kathleen Arabasz raised concerns about heating fuel season and said BRCRC needs to administer the fuel fund to ensure clients are receiving all the assistance possible.

She said  the fuel fund only provides 100 gallons of heating oil, but BRCRC can often help people receive LIHEAP which provides fuel throughout the winter. Arabasz said 48 percent of those who asked for assistance from the fuel fund last year found out they were also eligible for LIHEAP.  

Patty Seybold of BRHC and People Helping People said Arabasz will give a presentation at the Community Center on Friday, Sept. 25 at noon about planning for aging. A discussion followed about the housing shortage and concern about housing in the immediate area for those who help care for the elderly. Chip Griffin told the group this is “one of the largest problems we have.”

Connie Jones of Lincoln Health reported a need for hospice volunteers on the Boothbay peninsula. BRCRC Operations Coordinator Breanna Davis reported on the need for volunteer drivers for its FISH program. Spectrum reminded the group, Medicare enrollment is starting soon and those needing appointments to review or discuss options should call now.

Attendees were reminded about upcoming events including “Changing Aging” on Sept. 22 and a focus group on Thursday, Sept. 26 to help give input on Spectrum’s area strategic plan.

Attendees agreed to hold a fifth meeting of the year on Nov. 12.