Lise LaPointe and Family
Many of us find ourselves in the so-called “Sandwich Generation,” helping parents transition into retirement and other life stages, while raising small children. While life is full, it isn’t easy helping to care for our oldest loved ones while in the thick of it with our youngest. One local non-profit organization, At Home in Greenwich, is a fantastic resource that is helping aging parents stay in their homes, through information, services, events and more. We are thrilled to share more about this resource in case it may help you and your family members! For this week’s Meet a Mom interview, we spoke to Lise LaPointe Jameson, the Executive Director of At Home in Greenwich, about her Greenwich life, this amazing organization and more.
Would you please tell us a little about yourself and your family?
My husband and I have lived in Greenwich for close to 30 years. Our two daughters went through the Greenwich Public School system with the first graduating six years ago, and the youngest is a recent college graduate.
For anyone who isn’t familiar, how would you describe At Home In Greenwich?
At Home is a non-profit group that supports older folks who decide to remain in their own home as they age. Assisted living or moving in with or near their kids are not their first choice. They choose to be in the homes they love and the neighborhoods they know. We help by organizing social and cultural events they can enjoy and meet new people. We keep a roster of services they can utilize when the a/c goes out, if they need grab bars installed or they need a new plumber. We transport our members to doctor appointments. I am the Executive Director and also a clinical social worker. I assess members’ needs and work with the family to develop a comprehensive plan for care and safety.
Do you do care service placements, such as visiting nurses?
Yes, we have relationships with area nonprofits and for profits and plug in the best organization for the task at hand.
What are some of your most popular programs?
Sharing new adventures like a tour at Roosevelt Island, a new exhibition at the Met, reading poetry or the latest good book or meeting up to discuss current events. And of course, food! Folks enjoy dining out and trying new restaurants.
Why is staying at home so important to some seniors?
It’s familiar, holds a lot of memories and as some of our folks describe, they have too much stuff to move!
What do your kids think of what you do?
My older daughter runs a company and taps my knowledge of running a startup. She also says she better understands the juggle of a mom who runs a business, a house and raises a family. My youngest has a deep sense of service to the community and credits my work with influencing some of her choices.
If someone thinks their parent could benefit from what you provide, what is the process like to use you?
Take a peek at our website (www.athomeingreenwich.com or call the office 203.422.2342 with your questions.
Anything else you’d like to share?
I always encourage people to look around the corner and anticipate what needs may pop up. Identify future priorities. For many people, one of the priorities is maintaining their independence. We discuss this a lot; the aging process demands that we adjust to a new set of circumstances.
We love to support local businesses. What are your favorite places locally to:
Grab Coffee – Coffee for Good!
Workout – Yoga at Chez Jameson
Get your hair/nails done – The Muse – W Putnam Ave GR
Go for date night – walks around Grass Island, Tod’s Point, NYC neighborhoods
Go for dinner as a family – Boxcar Cantina
Have fun as a family – Travelling to meet one or both daughters in an interesting city.
This story contains sponsored content.
