Q: There are already many groups that provide services to Newton’s older residents. Why is there a need
      for another organization?

A: We have learned from searching for assistance for our own aging relatives that existing services for seniors are scattered among a wide range of agencies and organizations. In addition, these services are very fragmented, have different health-related and income-eligibility requirements, and sometimes have geographic limitations. Also, there are currently significant gaps in services related to transportation, home and yard maintenance, and neighborhood-based social activities. We believe that one needs the detective skills of a Sherlock Holmes and the knowledge of an experienced geriatric social worker to navigate through today’s existing complex system of elder care services.

The purpose of Newton at Home is to be responsive to its members by helping them find the quality services and programs they need quickly, with minimal red tape and complexity.

We are firmly committed to collaborating with existing providers; we will not duplicate services and programs already available to Newton residents. During the current planning phase for NAH, our volunteers are deciding on the services that NAH wants to make available to its members. We are working with other Newton agencies and programs to determine if these services are best provided by NAH or by referral to another service provider (or a combination of the two). Although it is early in our planning, we’ve had good cooperation to date with other Newton organizations.