Looking toward the future

COEUR d'ALENE - The aging of America is here, says Jon Ness.

Every eight minutes, he said, another person turns 65, creating challenges to provide senior services in the

community.

"The gap in services can look like an overwhelming problem but we can choose to look at it as an incredible opportunity," said Ness, CEO of Kootenai Medical Center.

The board of directors of Coeur d'Alene Homes recently brought in five panelists to take on questions, "What services impacting seniors are missing in our community?" and "how can Coeur d'Alene Homes help fill that gap in services?"

The panel included Ness, Mike Kennedy, Coeur d'Alene City Councilman, Pearl Bouchard, director Area Agency on Aging, Dr. Susan Melchiore, medical director On-Site for Seniors, and Paul Weil, executive director Hospice of North Idaho.

The panel determined the top services missing in the community were transportation, transitional care, dental care, and the need for collaborative services to prepare for the tremendous influx of seniors who will be entering retirement.

"The Age Wave is coming," Bouchard said, "and we have the resources to help prepare for it. Seniors need to stay active, connected and engaged."

Following a two-hour discussion, the board set specific goals based upon the mission of Coeur d'Alene Homes.

"The input from the panelists helped us launch into a three- to five-year strategic plan that will be collaborative and innovative," said board president Georgianne Jessen.

Coeur d'Alene Homes provides a faith-based home for older adults. Its sister facility, Heritage Place, offers affordable HUD-subsidized apartments for independent seniors.

"Our community has the potential to become a premier retirement community for active seniors," Ness added.