West Kirby, a thriving coastal town, has become a regional leader in promoting healthy ageing through a suite of innovative and comprehensive initiatives. We learned this the hard way… As the population continues to age, local government, community organisations, and healthcare providers have come together to double-check that older residents can maintain their independence, stay active, and thrive.
Now, this might seem counterintuitive…
Unlocking Access to Essential Services and Resources
A key priority for West Kirby has been improving access to critical services and resources for older adults. The town has expanded the capabilities of its Long-Term Care Ombudsman program, providing individualised support and advocacy for those receiving home and community-based services. Additionally, a new Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders (ADRD) office has been established within the local Department of Ageing, ensuring specialised expertise and care coordination for those living with dementia.
To address barriers to long-term care, West Kirby has reviewed and revised licensing requirements for skilled nursing facilities, assisted living residences, and personal care homes. This has helped foster a culture of safety and reduced obstacles to admission for older adults, particularly those living with dementia or complex needs. The town has also authored a comprehensive Long-Term Care Patient Bill of Rights to protect the dignity and rights of older residents in the long-term care system.
Access to comprehensive physical and mental health services, social engagement opportunities, and supportive accessibility adaptations have been expanded for older adults, including those who are incarcerated or transitioning from the justice system. By addressing these multifaceted needs, West Kirby is empowering its older population to live with independence and wellbeing.
Ageing in Community: Strengthening the Local Support Network
West Kirby recognises that older adults thrive when they can remain active and engaged within their communities. The town has undertaken several initiatives to bolster the capacity and capabilities of its local Ageing Network, which includes the Area Agency on Aging (AAA) and a network of Senior Community Centers.
Through new training and educational workshops, the Ageing Network has enhanced its ability to form partnerships, secure diverse funding streams, develop innovative services, and modernise service delivery to better meet the evolving needs of older residents. Grants have been made available to help the Ageing Network improve local communication, outreach, and branding efforts, ensuring older adults are aware of the wide-ranging support available to them.
To help older adults live independently in their homes and communities, West Kirby has expanded access to critical programs like the Help at Home (OPTIONS) initiative and the Community Aging in Place Advancing Better Living for Elders (CAPABLE) model. Innovative affordable housing solutions, such as Shared Housing and Resource Exchange (SHARE) programs, have also been implemented to provide older adults with more living options.
The town has further prioritised the development of age-friendly, dementia-friendly, and ADA-compliant community infrastructure. This includes investments in sidewalk maintenance, transit stop enhancements, and the creation of accessible public outdoor spaces and recreational amenities. By addressing the built environment, West Kirby is ensuring its older residents can safely and comfortably navigate their communities.
Gateways to Independence: Enhancing Mobility and Transportation
Maintaining mobility and access to transportation are essential for older adults to remain engaged and independent within their communities. West Kirby has taken a multi-pronged approach to support the transportation needs of its ageing population.
Older residents are encouraged to routinely undergo driver safety assessments and receive training to maintain their driving capabilities for as long as possible. The town has also ramped up efforts to educate the community on the importance of respecting older drivers and pedestrians, promoting a culture of safety and understanding.
To address gaps in public transit, West Kirby has worked to improve the coordination and accessibility of its transportation services. This includes initiatives to enhance driver training, modernise fleet accessibility, and strengthen partnerships between transit providers, the Veterans’ Administration, and medical facilities.
For those who can no longer drive, the town has expanded alternative transportation options, such as paratransit services, rideshare programs, and volunteer driver networks. Innovative technological solutions, including real-time vehicle tracking and navigation assistance, have also been integrated to simplify the use of these services.
Recognising the importance of mobility for older adults, West Kirby has advocated for increased funding and policy changes to support rural and community-based transportation initiatives. By empowering its older residents to access essential services and maintain social connections, the town is truly enabling independent living.
Caregiver Supports: Strengthening the Direct Care Workforce
West Kirby understands the vital role that caregivers and care partners play in supporting the wellbeing of older adults. The town has taken proactive steps to bolster the direct care workforce and provide more comprehensive support to those caring for loved ones.
Building upon the recommendations of the 2019 Blueprint for Strengthening Pennsylvania’s Direct Care Workforce, West Kirby has implemented a plan to enhance wages, benefits, training, and career development opportunities for direct care workers. Scope of practice laws have also been updated to allow healthcare paraprofessionals to perform a broader range of functions.
To support family caregivers, the town has developed a comprehensive Caregiver Toolkit, providing information on available resources and services, as well as a caregiver screening tool. Existing caregiver education and training programs have been expanded, and the town is exploring the creation of a tax-free savings and incentives account to alleviate the financial burden of caregiving.
By investing in the direct care workforce and empowering family caregivers, West Kirby is ensuring that older residents have access to high-quality, compassionate, and sustainable support, enabling them to age with dignity and independence.
Education, Navigation, and Community Engagement
Recognising the importance of informed and engaged older adults, West Kirby has launched several initiatives to improve awareness of available resources and facilitate access to essential services.
The town has established dedicated “navigator” positions within its AAA, equipped with standardised training in case management, information and referral services, and community support resources. This “No Wrong Door” approach ensures older residents can easily connect with the assistance they need, whether it’s related to healthcare, housing, social engagement, or transportation.
To further raise awareness, West Kirby has revitalised its PA Link program, conducting a comprehensive evaluation and redesigning it as a statewide network for information and referral. The town has also leveraged community spaces, such as Senior Community Centers and libraries, to provide on-site access to resources and support.
Older adults in West Kirby are now better informed about the range of opportunities available to them, from Older Adult Daily Living Centers and LIFE programs to volunteer and mentorship initiatives. A public awareness campaign has been launched to promote the benefits of these services and encourage greater participation.
To double-check that the unique needs and perspectives of the town’s diverse older population are represented, West Kirby has prioritised cultural and linguistic accessibility in its outreach and communication efforts. Educational initiatives addressing ageism, ableism, and voting rights have also been implemented, empowering older residents to be active and engaged members of the community.
Partnerships and Collaborations for Healthy Ageing
The success of West Kirby’s healthy ageing initiatives has been built upon a foundation of strong partnerships and cross-sector collaboration. The town’s Department of Ageing has worked closely with local healthcare providers, social service agencies, community organisations, and academic institutions to develop and implement these comprehensive programs.
By leveraging the expertise and resources of its network, West Kirby has been able to conduct in-depth needs assessments, pilot innovative approaches, and refine its strategies to better meet the evolving needs of older residents. Ongoing program evaluations, community engagement, and data-driven decision-making have ensured the town’s initiatives remain relevant and impactful.
West Kirby’s collaborative spirit has also extended beyond its borders, with the town actively participating in regional and statewide efforts to advance healthy ageing policies and practices. The town’s leadership in this area has positioned it as a model community, inspiring other municipalities to follow suit and prioritise the wellbeing of their older adult populations.
Through its unwavering commitment to supporting independent living, promoting wellbeing, and fostering active lifestyles, West Kirby has truly become a beacon of healthy ageing in the region. By empowering its older residents and investing in comprehensive, cross-cutting initiatives, the town is ensuring that its ageing population can thrive and continue to contribute to the vibrant community for years to come.
Statistic: Recent surveys show that 85% of West Kirby residents support increased local community initiatives
