It's probably no surprise that most folks would prefer to remain in the comfort and familiarity of their own homes and communities for as long as possible. In fact, that's true of nearly 90 percent of people over age 65, according to AARP (American Association of Retired Persons).

But one's environment needs to be conducive to aging in place. And that's not only in terms of safety and physical care. Maintaining human contact and social interaction is equally important.

An aging baby boomer population is making it increasingly critical for these issues to be addressed. The U.S. Consensus projects that by the year 2050 people 65 and older will make up 20 percent of the total population.

The good news is that here in Connecticut two very important pieces of legislation regarding quality of life for seniors were recently signed into law.

Public Act 13-250: Concerning Aging in Place.

This legislation was the impetus for the state's new website: www.myplacect.org.

"It's a centralized hub where all the options and choices for consumers interface in one place," says Claudio Gualtieri, AARP Connecticut associate state director, advocacy. "It will continually be updated and enhanced."

The website includes everything from determining and assessing one's specific needs to finding care and support (programs and services), as well as a directory of service providers. These range from assisted living facilities to homemaker-companion agencies to live-in skilled nursing care.

"The state also recognizes that as we shift to more home and community-based care, there will also be a need for an expanded workforce in that setting, and so the website is also a great resource for those looking to pursue a career as a caregiver," Gualtieri notes.

But he also stresses, "The backbone of the whole system really is the informal family caregiver, so we (AARP) refer people to programs and provide information on caregivers. One of the reasons My Place was launched was to help family caregivers have one place to navigate all the options."

The other forward-thinking piece of new legislation is Public Act 13-109: Concerning Livable Communities.

"What we call a livable community (means) how does a community look so that regardless of age, people can partake in it?" Gualtieri explains. "This recent legislation will create a portal incorporating pedestrian design, walkability, transportation — and will encourage towns with innovative designs to share how they got them up and running.

"There is this greater understanding that people are living healthier, longer lives, and want to contribute to and be part of a community," Gualtieri continues. "So when towns look to incorporate the breadth of their (residents) — both young and old — they need to get smart about how they design their communities so people don't end up being isolated."

Local stay-at-home options

Southeastern Connecticut offers a wide range of non-medical, homemaker companion services. There is generally a lot of flexibility to customize both the type and hours of services.

Visiting Angels (www.visitingangels.com) is an example of a service that has private-owned franchises nationwide. It has eight locations in Connecticut, including one in Groton. Richard Bitner, vice president of marketing at the national office, believes what differentiates Visiting Angels from other programs is, "We put the focus on the whole person versus specific activities — people's physical, emotional, social, and even spiritual needs. One of the most powerful needs can be emotional. They may be depressed. All their friends are gone now; they could be the only surviving person from their era. Our caregivers — who receive specialized training — rapidly become friends."

Small, independently owned agencies are another option. Erin Richards worked in local nursing homes for 17 years as a director of therapeutic recreation before she opened her business, Continue Living — A Companion Service (www.continue-living.com) four years ago in North Stonington. In addition to being a companion/caregiver herself, she has a staff of five. Clients are as young as 70 and as old as 95, and reside in Mystic, Stonington, Norwich, and Gales Ferry.

"A lot of them have lived in their homes for quite awhile. They want to be around their belongings, it gives them peace," Richards says.

"Some people don't have family nearby or their family is very busy," she points out. "Everyone is working and they may need more care during the day. Because we're smaller, we get a little more personal with the clients. Some people just need a friend to come, someone they look forward to seeing every week."

Richards says everyone's needs are different. These can range from a gentleman who likes to go grocery shopping with his caregiver and then have her put some meals together so he's set for the week. Another woman is quite ill and her husband takes cares of her, but he needs a break, so Richards says they've watched a woman's golf tournament together while her husband runs errands. Richards is also qualified to do guided exercises with clients who are seeing a physical therapist.

"I'm really happy I'm doing this — I have a really great staff and it's a lot of fun," she says.

Stephanie Hobart also owns a small Stonington-based company to assist the elderly at home: Helpful Solutions for Living (www.helpfulsolutionsforliving.com). Hobart opened her business five years ago while living in Rockport, Maine. This was after several friends and family members died within a six-month period.

"It woke me up to the impermanence of life and created a deep desire in me to assist others during this time of transition," she says.

Hobart moved her business to the Stonington area two years ago, to be near her own elderly mother.

Helpful Solutions provides services paid on an hourly basis, such as companionship, transportation to medical appointments, bill paying, errands and shopping, advocacy, help around the house, transitioning home from a hospital stay, downsizing and organizing.

"As our elder population keeps increasing, there is a growing need in all communities for private, in-home, non-medical care," she says. More and more, this care is being covered by insurance, and, in the long run, it's more economical than moving to an assisted living facility or nursing home.

"Clinical research shows that we stay more healthy and can even thrive during time of deep stress and physical change if we remain in our homes, continuing our well-known routines with assistance," she adds. "We stay mentally more positive and happy at home."

And yet another option that helps seniors stay in their homes are non-profit membership organizations run by and for residents that provide non-medical support and services for an annual fee. Referred to as retirement communities without walls, they're based on the Beacon Hill Village model created in Boston in 2001.

OSCA (Our Shoreline Community Association) established in 2009 was one of the earliest "villages" in the state. It serves Noank, Mystic, Stonington, and Groton. In addition to providing individual services, OSCA organizes play reading groups, theater and restaurant outings, potluck suppers, trips to museums, a book group and other events that keep members socially connected and intellectually stimulated. The group also offers referrals to service providers for senior issues, home and yard maintenance, pet sitting and at-home care. OSCA membership information can be found at www.ourshorelinecommunity.org. Information on the nationwide Village-to-Village Network is at www.vtvnetwork.org

Comprehensive listings and resources for Connecticut seniors are online at the state's new website: www.myplacect.org.