MAKING OUR HOME — AND HOMETOWN — THE BEST PLACE TO AGE GRACEFULLY
Lifelong Laguna is our ambitious vision of coordinated services and advocacy
that reach beyond the walls of the Susi Q to help us live safely at home.
Lifelong Laguna Home Modification Assessment: Before and After
Lynn, a member of Lifelong Laguna, had us out last year to conduct the Lifelong Laguna Home Modification Assessment (“HMA”). She is a widow and lives in a split-level two story home, has a tenant/roommate downstairs, and holds a yoga class in the downstairs space twice a week. Already a well-maintained home, Lynn wanted us to come out and help her identify places in her home that could be modified with minor modifications to make it safer so she can age in place. We conducted a thorough home evaluation for both the interior and exterior spaces. Using photos, we put together a report that speaks to all physical environments of the home that are used by Lynn (and her guests) and gave our recommendations/considerations for modification, for both now and later. Within each section of the home, we provided a description in the lens of long term planning for aging in place, safety, and accessibility.
About 8 months later, Lynn approached us and was happy to report she made a number of the modifications we recommended. She was appreciative of our service and wanted us to come out and review the post-modifications. When we made it out, we were surprised with how many of the modifications were completed. Of the many listed in our report, 13 modifications were made, many of which were minor in nature with large impact. Lynn reported the total costs were in the ballpark of $500-$600, with the bulk of the cost on one specific modification (outside stone steps going down the side of the house with a rail installation).
Lynn shared the following sentiments as the Lifelong Laguna Home Modification Assessment gave her the confidence to move forward with making her home safer. “John Fay, MSG and Martha Hernandez, LCSW (Laguna Beach Seniors professional staff) were so thorough, I was impressed with the time they took and the measurements that they used. I want more people to do it (Lifelong Laguna Home Modification Assessment). I now have the experience to give insights on the impact the changes have on my life. With my twice per week yoga group, the post (a hand-post that enables people to use 2 large steps to navigate a 45 ¼” ledge) became a habit for people to use and they like the feel of it as it’s much more secure now. Most of these modifications were on the to-do list, but having the home modification assessment gave me the confidence and encouragement to get it done.”
Through Lifelong Laguna, Lynn felt the support, confidence, and encouragement to overcome the hesitancy and take control over her future by making her home safer. Through intentionality, she was empowered to make small changes which now have large impact on her life, her tenant’s life, and guests who come to the house on a daily basis. As Lynn put it, “there’s hesitancy to make changes, but you need to overcome it…it may really help and it doesn’t cost as much as someone might think…it’s well worth it!”
The Lifelong Laguna Home Modification Assessment is service of Laguna Beach Seniors and is available for residents of Laguna Beach. Contact John Fay at 949-715-8107 or johnfay@thesusiq.org for more information.
About 8 months later, Lynn approached us and was happy to report she made a number of the modifications we recommended. She was appreciative of our service and wanted us to come out and review the post-modifications. When we made it out, we were surprised with how many of the modifications were completed. Of the many listed in our report, 13 modifications were made, many of which were minor in nature with large impact. Lynn reported the total costs were in the ballpark of $500-$600, with the bulk of the cost on one specific modification (outside stone steps going down the side of the house with a rail installation).
Lynn shared the following sentiments as the Lifelong Laguna Home Modification Assessment gave her the confidence to move forward with making her home safer. “John Fay, MSG and Martha Hernandez, LCSW (Laguna Beach Seniors professional staff) were so thorough, I was impressed with the time they took and the measurements that they used. I want more people to do it (Lifelong Laguna Home Modification Assessment). I now have the experience to give insights on the impact the changes have on my life. With my twice per week yoga group, the post (a hand-post that enables people to use 2 large steps to navigate a 45 ¼” ledge) became a habit for people to use and they like the feel of it as it’s much more secure now. Most of these modifications were on the to-do list, but having the home modification assessment gave me the confidence and encouragement to get it done.”
Through Lifelong Laguna, Lynn felt the support, confidence, and encouragement to overcome the hesitancy and take control over her future by making her home safer. Through intentionality, she was empowered to make small changes which now have large impact on her life, her tenant’s life, and guests who come to the house on a daily basis. As Lynn put it, “there’s hesitancy to make changes, but you need to overcome it…it may really help and it doesn’t cost as much as someone might think…it’s well worth it!”
The Lifelong Laguna Home Modification Assessment is service of Laguna Beach Seniors and is available for residents of Laguna Beach. Contact John Fay at 949-715-8107 or johnfay@thesusiq.org for more information.
We Do It Because We Care!
When we first piloted Lifelong Laguna in 2017, we hoped our efforts would make an impact to help seniors age in place. Two years later in 2019, we are thrilled to know our services through Lifelong Laguna are changing lives for Members. We have over 30 dedicated Volunteers providing services to nearly 60 Lifelong Laguna Members (and the count of Members keeps growing).
How we did we get to this point and what was successful for us? Well, let’s take a look. Before the pilot of Lifelong Laguna in 2017, we worked tirelessly to design the program and create the valuable partnerships in the community to bring everyone together behind one effort. From nonprofits to churches and neighborhood clusters, our partnerships created the community support network that currently brings a full circle of services to our longtime locals. The Assistance League of Laguna Beach has formally joined our efforts and is financially supporting Lifelong Laguna in a new and innovative way. In true Laguna fashion, it’s all community and it’s working out great!
Also, with the knowledge in hand from the Executive Certificate In Home Modification Program at the Leonard Davis School of Gerontology of USC, we created the Lifelong Laguna Home Modification Assessment. The Lifelong Laguna Home Modification Assessment includes a walk-through of the home with a professional perspective of aging in place, accessibility, fall prevention, and long term planning with the Member’s safety at home in mind. Through the financial support from the Laguna Presbyterian Church, the Lifelong Laguna Home Modification Assessment is delivered at no cost to the Lifelong Laguna Member.
Then enter our Lifelong Laguna Volunteers who provide countless hours in the homes and in the community with our Lifelong Laguna Members. Our Volunteers go through an Orientation, a Training, and a fingerprint background check before they are connected with Lifelong Laguna Members. We feel strongly about ensuring service is delivered by a Volunteer who we can count on. Whether it be a friendly visit at home, a walk through the neighborhood, or support to take on that task at home that could use some extra motivation – Lifelong Laguna Volunteers are dedicated to helping our Members.
The Mission of Laguna Beach Seniors is to work together to enhance the lives of seniors through programs, services, and advocacy that promote independence, wellness and community. Through Lifelong Laguna and the many activities at the Susi Q, we're achieving our Mission and having fun while we're at it!
If you would like to learn more about Lifelong Laguna, contact John Fay to take the next step for yourself, a friend, or neighbor at 949-715-8107 or johnfay@thesusiq.org. You may also complete the form below with your contact information.
Take Action Now, Be Prepared For Emergency
It is widely known that Laguna is a high-risk fire zone and emergencies can strike at any time. Being prepared is the best first step, and getting prepared doesn’t happen without your active participation. Laguna Beach Seniors and the efforts supporting
Lifelong Laguna want you to get prepared, and we’re here to help. In partnership with the City of Laguna Beach CERT, the Susi Q Thursday Tech Volunteers will help you get signed up with AlertOC and Nixle, in-person, with hands-on support.
Sponsored by the County of Orange, AlertOC is a notification system designed to keep Orange County residents and businesses updated of emergencies that may require immediate life saving actions. By registering with AlertOC, you’ll be kept up-to-date when an emergency strikes with information from authorized officials alerting you of what you need to know in that instant. The information is kept private and is only deployed in times of an emergency. Nixle is similar to AlertOC in that messages will be sent directly to your smart phone. From traffic jams to emergency communications, you will be kept updated as your phone will receive the information in real time.
So come on down to the Susi Q on Thursdays to meet with our Laguna Beach Seniors Tech Volunteers to get connected and stay connected for emergency preparedness through AlertOC and Nixle.
Lifelong Laguna want you to get prepared, and we’re here to help. In partnership with the City of Laguna Beach CERT, the Susi Q Thursday Tech Volunteers will help you get signed up with AlertOC and Nixle, in-person, with hands-on support.
Sponsored by the County of Orange, AlertOC is a notification system designed to keep Orange County residents and businesses updated of emergencies that may require immediate life saving actions. By registering with AlertOC, you’ll be kept up-to-date when an emergency strikes with information from authorized officials alerting you of what you need to know in that instant. The information is kept private and is only deployed in times of an emergency. Nixle is similar to AlertOC in that messages will be sent directly to your smart phone. From traffic jams to emergency communications, you will be kept updated as your phone will receive the information in real time.
So come on down to the Susi Q on Thursdays to meet with our Laguna Beach Seniors Tech Volunteers to get connected and stay connected for emergency preparedness through AlertOC and Nixle.
It's All About Community
Lifelong Laguna is a new and innovative community support network that helps seniors age in place here in Laguna Beach. Often times, a member of Lifelong Laguna gets connected and stays connected to the community through engaging in local activities. A new activity in Laguna we are highlighting this month is the Laguna Food Pantry and Sally’s Fund have partnered up to benefit seniors in town including Members of Lifelong Laguna.
While anyone can visit the Pantry one time per week to stock up on free groceries, Sally’s Fund brings seniors to the Laguna Food Pantry for a free ride and free groceries on the first Wednesday of every month. It is win-win on all accounts, and the efforts behind Lifelong Laguna promotes just this – bringing the whole community together to help our seniors age gracefully in the town we love. The more community partnerships that are established to help Laguna’s seniors, the better.
Sally’s Fund is proud to provide monthly transportation to the Laguna Food Pantry, ensuring seniors can obtain free food and nutrition provided by the Pantry. The Laguna Food Pantry is an agency of Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County and is located at 20652 Laguna Canyon Road, Unit B while phone inquiries can be made to 949-497-7121. If getting to the Pantry is a challenge, Sally’s Fund can help be a part of the solution with regards to transportation - just contact Sally’s Fund at 949-499-4100.
While anyone can visit the Pantry one time per week to stock up on free groceries, Sally’s Fund brings seniors to the Laguna Food Pantry for a free ride and free groceries on the first Wednesday of every month. It is win-win on all accounts, and the efforts behind Lifelong Laguna promotes just this – bringing the whole community together to help our seniors age gracefully in the town we love. The more community partnerships that are established to help Laguna’s seniors, the better.
Sally’s Fund is proud to provide monthly transportation to the Laguna Food Pantry, ensuring seniors can obtain free food and nutrition provided by the Pantry. The Laguna Food Pantry is an agency of Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County and is located at 20652 Laguna Canyon Road, Unit B while phone inquiries can be made to 949-497-7121. If getting to the Pantry is a challenge, Sally’s Fund can help be a part of the solution with regards to transportation - just contact Sally’s Fund at 949-499-4100.
Lifelong Laguna: The Impact is Real
Juliane approached program specialist John Fay to learn more about Lifelong Laguna following a presentation John gave at the Susi Q. As a long time local who wants to stay in Laguna as she gets older, Lifelong Laguna seemed like a good fit. After enrolling into the program, Juliane was connected with volunteer Tracy Lineback – a local realtor with a little bit of time to share and give back during the week. Juliane and Tracy get together almost weekly when time permits for a walk around the neighborhood, a few laughs, and to get caught up on each other’s weeks.
As Juliane puts it, “I value Lifelong Laguna because I know I have someone I can call and talk to, and I always look forward to hearing about what’s new with Tracy. I enjoy the program so much and it has an impact on my life.” At 95, Juliane continues to pursue activities that are meaningful with the company of friends and family. Lifelong Laguna Volunteer Tracy Lineback feels fortunate to be a part of Juliane’s life too. “Juliane is amazing at all she is able to do for herself. While we often talk a lot about what is going on in her life, she always takes interest in how I am doing.” Even with a full schedule, Tracy finds enough time to give to the program. “I got involved as a volunteer with Lifelong Laguna to give back to our community, and what I’ve found is a new set of dear friends.” It’s clear that Lifelong Laguna has had a positive impact on both Juliane and Tracy, the premise behind our efforts.
A program of Laguna Beach Seniors – Lifelong Laguna is a support network that helps seniors age safely and comfortably in their homes with help from professional staff, trained volunteers, and professional service providers. By participating in the global ‘aging in place’ movement, we deepen the community’s commitment to those who have long made Laguna Beach their home.
If you would like to learn more about Lifelong Laguna, contact John Fay to take the next step for yourself, a friend, or neighbor at 949-715-8107 or johnfay@thesusiq.org. You may also complete the form below with your contact information.
As Juliane puts it, “I value Lifelong Laguna because I know I have someone I can call and talk to, and I always look forward to hearing about what’s new with Tracy. I enjoy the program so much and it has an impact on my life.” At 95, Juliane continues to pursue activities that are meaningful with the company of friends and family. Lifelong Laguna Volunteer Tracy Lineback feels fortunate to be a part of Juliane’s life too. “Juliane is amazing at all she is able to do for herself. While we often talk a lot about what is going on in her life, she always takes interest in how I am doing.” Even with a full schedule, Tracy finds enough time to give to the program. “I got involved as a volunteer with Lifelong Laguna to give back to our community, and what I’ve found is a new set of dear friends.” It’s clear that Lifelong Laguna has had a positive impact on both Juliane and Tracy, the premise behind our efforts.
A program of Laguna Beach Seniors – Lifelong Laguna is a support network that helps seniors age safely and comfortably in their homes with help from professional staff, trained volunteers, and professional service providers. By participating in the global ‘aging in place’ movement, we deepen the community’s commitment to those who have long made Laguna Beach their home.
If you would like to learn more about Lifelong Laguna, contact John Fay to take the next step for yourself, a friend, or neighbor at 949-715-8107 or johnfay@thesusiq.org. You may also complete the form below with your contact information.
Watch our Video for Lifelong Laguna Insights
What our Volunteers are saying:
"I got involved with Lifelong Laguna to give back to our community, and what I have found
is a new set of dear friends." - Tracy
"Helping seniors to continue to live safely in their homes takes a caring community,
and that is why I am so proud to be part of Lifelong Laguna." - Nancy
Lifelong Laguna - IN THE NEWS!
Laguna's Skip Hellewell featured Lifelong Laguna in Finding Meaning in the Indy!
Lifelong Laguna was featured in On Common Ground by the
National Association of REALTORS Winter 2018 Edition!
Stu News shined the spotlight on Lifelong Laguna. Read the story here!
KX 93.5 FM had the Lifelong Laguna crew on set to share the impact. Listen here!
