By 2030, the AARP estimates, 19 percent of the U.S. population will be over the age of 65. The Northside abounds with businesses and nonprofits whose focus is assisting the senior population to age well, enjoy their senior years, stay independent as long as possible, and have options for the services they need when the appropriate time comes in their lives. In 2014, Madison received the designation of Best City for Successful Aging by the Milken Institute, which validates what we already know — that Madison is a great city to grow old in.
The Northside Business Association (NBA) is proud to have a number of business and nonprofit members with services that cater to the growing population of seniors. It is a privilege to shine a spotlight and share what they have to offer for successful aging in Madison.
When St. Paul Lutheran Church, 2126 N. Sherman Ave., found themselves with an aging congregation, Pastor Gerry Kuhnke felt it necessary to meet senior needs. In 2008, St. Paul started Senior Connections to address the needs of under-resourced members of the congregation and the community living on fixed incomes. “I recognized that, while many families on the Northside had a post WWII home already paid for, their Social Security and retirement income was stressed by the cost of medications, rising utility bills and other necessities,” said Pastor Kuhnke. “St. Paul wanted to help meet their physical and social needs by offering a delicious weekly meal, supplying a trip through the Bread of Life Food Pantry and providing a social setting to help them build relationships with other seniors to share memories and life together.” After lunch, seniors stay to play bingo, cards and board games. Senior Connections meets every Thursday from 10 am–1 pm. Any senior 55 and over is invited to attend. For more information see www.stpaulmadison.org or call the church at 244-8077 and let them know you’d like to attend.
A significant concern as people grow older is that they may have to leave their home. Leaving behind a comfortable setting and familiar community affects independence and control over quality of life. To help seniors safely stay in their homes, the niche for TZ of Madison, a Northside general contractor and remodeling specialist, is to provide universal design for the layout of the home to make it accessible, comfortable and welcoming, as well as to meet the needs of a family of all ages. Owner Larry Taff and his son Jesse are Aging in Place specialists, a qualification that means they know how to design and implement changes to a home so its owners can stay in one’s own home and community and age in place safely, independently and comfortably, regardless of age or ability level. For more information on TZ of Madison, visit www.tzofmadison.com or call 241-2967.
As this growing wave of aging adults live longer than ever before and put off a move as long as possible, seeking assistance from senior caregivers has become an important solution for helping seniors stay longer in their own homes. “As people age, there will be some challenges for remaining at home and looking after themselves, but this shouldn’t automatically stop them,” said Fatou Ceesay, owner of Cairasu Home Care. “We strongly believe that everyone has the right to stay in their own home for as long as they can and want.” Cairasu Care provides nonmedical, comprehensive in-home care services for the elderly, including those with dementia and Alzheimer’s. They run errands, handle personal care, provide companionship and much more. “We take the responsibility of looking after your elderly loved ones very seriously,” said Ceesay. “All of our staff are licensed CNAs and experienced caregivers. Care and compassion are at the heart of our service, and we would feel privileged to give your aging loved ones over age 50 the independence, safety and companionship they need.” Cairasu also provides benefit counseling to educate clients about services they might be eligible for but may not know exist or might not know how to access. For more information, see www.cairasucare.com or call 622-7015.
Emerson Assisted Living Boutique challenges preconceived ideas of what assisted living looks like. Following the innovative national trend in the senior living industry to offer a more home-like setting for seniors, Emerson doesn’t just feel like home — it is home. The supported living and assisted living residential home for seniors is located in a beautiful executive-style residence with eight spacious private suites with a full bath, a spa room with walk-in whirlpool tub, home cooked meals and made-to-order breakfasts, porches and patios for relaxing, a cozy fireplace, a beautiful living room boasting cathedral ceilings with floor to ceiling windows, a library, a garden room, as well as flower and vegetable gardens. The homelike feeling and beauty combined with the full array of personal care and extra touches tailored to meet each resident’s unique needs and preferences makes this feel more like a stay at a bed-and-breakfast than assisted living. “Our goal is to combine gracious hospitality with exceptional care and services,” said co-owner Kate Shaw. “Our desire is for seniors to continue to live their life to the fullest and focus on their abilities, rather than on what they can’t do. We want to offer the kind of assisted living that we want for our friends and families.” Emerson Assisted Living Boutique is located at 402 Rustic Dr. Visit www.emersonmadison.com or call 669-5542 for more information.