Fighting Senior Flight: A New Program Gains First Selectman's Support

In response to seniors and what they believe to be a decreased quality of living, Wilton’s government is looking to new and existing programs to curb the senior flight.

 One of the possible answers is (SAHIW), program that was established in 2010 and functions to serve seniors with every day activities that may be unmanageable in their later years. During the Board of Selectmen meeting on May 18, a number of representatives from the program came to address the public and the board.

“We’re trying to solve seniors’ [problems of] being alone, lack of things to do, fixing things,” said Phil Richards, the President of SAHIW.

The program enlists volunteers, some of whom are senior citizens, to assist those elderly people who need help. Volunteers might do any number of activities: providing transportation, changing light bulbs, computer assistance, moving light furniture, bill paying, filing, sending mail, picking up prescriptions, help with pets, and more.

Volunteers are background-checked and trained, said SAHIW Board of Directors Member Barbara Quincy.

 For tougher jobs such as plumbing or tree and snow removal, SAHIW can refer a senior to a list of trusted, local vendors that will provide these services, sometimes at a discount that is offered only through using the organization, said Richards.

 According to their website, some programs offered will be provided by other services in town as well, meaning that the program will be involved in several other areas of the Wilton community.

Additionally, the program offers “friendly visitors,” who will stop by and chat with those who wish to do so.

As of now there are “37 volunteers,” said Joan Starr, a member of SAHIW’s Board of Directors.

“We are available to all seniors,” Richards said.

However, there is a fee for a one-year membership: $360 for one member in a household, and $480 for two members in a residence.

This membership is not profitable for the program, though.

“The annual fee doesn’t cover more than half of our costs,” said Richards.

“This is one of the solutions” to help seniors decide to stay in Wilton, said First Selectman William Brennan. 

Brennan cordially asked Richardson and the SAHIW board to “come back on a regular basis” to keep this “in front of the community.”

 For more information, visit the organization’s website at stayathomeinwilton.org, or call them 203 423-3225.