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Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities
Authorizing Legislation: Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2008, PL 110-161
The Purpose of the Program and How it Works
In FY 2010 7 congressionally earmarked grants were awarded for naturally occurring retirement communities (NORC). Each of these projects is looking to support residents of neighborhoods or buildings with high concentrations of older adults to age in place for as long as possible.
Since September 1, 2002, approximately $25 million in federal funds and match exceeding $7 million has been used to establish more than 50 supportive service programs for older adults.
Funding supports older adults living independently in geographically defined residential areas and building complexes. Labeled “NORCs” or “Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities”, these residential entities provide:
- Residential housing with supports;
- Transportation for appointments and shopping;
- Individual assessment of at risk, followed by referral and follow-up of service and
- Coordination of non-professional services.
Data Highlight Extensive Services Provided to Seniors
NORC projects are administered through community non-profit organizations, many of which are United Jewish Federation (UJC) Communities.
From September 1, 2002 through 2008, more than 25,000 participants have been served in NORC programs. Individual program data is not collected on Congressional Mandates/NORCs.
The NORC projects:
- Enhance ability of older adults living in a residential community to continue living independently;
- Increase healthy aging behaviors through exercise, recreation, socialization, educational and culturally appropriate activities; and
- Identify needs of at risk residents, facilitate access to existing community/ government resources and create gap filling supportive services.
Funding History
FY 2008$4,851,733
FY 2009$1,484,000
FY 2010$1,825,000
Resources and Useful Links
United Hospital Fund
The United Hospital Fund's Aging in Place Initiative was established in 1999 to foster the development of new models of care supporting the health and well-being of older people living in the community. These models bring together health care and community resources to address the needs of residents of naturally occurring retirement communities, or NORCs—housing developments, neighborhoods, or geographic areas built or established for multi-age populations but becoming home, over time, to large concentrations of seniors. The Initiative includes the NORC Blueprint project which supports NORC program planners, managers, funders and policymakers with tools and other resources.
Website: http://www.uhfnyc.org/initiatives/aging-in-place
United Jewish Communities
United Jewish Communities represents and serves 155 Jewish federations and 400 independent Jewish communities across North America. The organization provides technical assistance and advocacy to the NORC programs.
Website: http://www.ujc.org/page.aspx?id=65407
| Last Modified: 2/10/2011 2:10:11 PM |
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