Spurred by newspaper articles on organizations that are developing strategies to allow seniors to remain in their homes as they age, a “core group” of people from Aquidneck Island, Jamestown, and South County have worked over the past year to develop a plan to suit our communities.  Their first step was to get a feasibility study and business plan, produced by CareLink, Inc. and funded by the Rhode Island Foundation.

From a survey taken at one of their general meetings, it was determined that the majority of respondents were interested in daily living and home services (transportation, shopping, meal preparation, handy men, etc.) and organized social activities (dinners, discussion groups, museum, concert, theatre trips, etc.).

Respondents further expressed the need for, or interest in, companionship (to cope with loneliness or to give a little ‘help’), continuing education, financial management, exercise programs, and travel opportunities.

After careful investigation of several senior organizations in nearby states and following a comparison of their basic needs and situations with ours, a plan has emerged that is similar to, but not an exact replica of. an existing association.  No paid staff or corporate headquarters currently fit into our plans, and thus the modest yearly fee is affordable for all.

SRI Inc. has drawn up a set of by-laws and become a non-profit 501(c)3 corporation to take advantage of federal tax exemptions. Under this umbrella, “Houses” or membership units–Aquidneck Island at Home and South County at Home–have been created. As membership increases (no more than 40 members per house) additional houses in each area can be added.  Each House formulates its own rules and regulations consistent with SRI’s mission and vision but tailored to the particular needs of its members.

We don’t compete but have become partners who can facilitate and encourage participation in existing programs such as the local senior citizen centers, YMCA, Meals on Wheels, and home health care organizations.