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Aging in Place

 
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What's a NORC?

NORC—short for naturally occurring retirement community—is a demographic term used to describe a community that, while not originally built for seniors, is home to a significant proportion of older residents.

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.

The Aging in Place Initiative conducts community, program, and policy analyses; fosters partnerships of health care, social service, and housing organizations; and facilitates the development of innovative model programs to support the expansion and improvement of New York City's aging services, including its NORC Program efforts. While New York is the focus of this work, its impact and relevance are national.

The initiative currently comprises three programs:

Together on Diabetes. Through this initiative, the Fund is developing and testing a diabetes community control project targeting New York City seniors with diabetes.  Its focus on seniors already diagnosed with diabetes distinguishes this initiative from most of the work tackling diabetes across the nation.

Health Indicators.  This initiative helps NORC programs improve the health of older adults in their communities by addressing three common health issues: heart disease, diabetes, and falls. Data collection, targeted interventions, and the development of best practices are all part of the Health Indicators initiative.

NORC Blueprint.  Launched in 2008, the NORC  Blueprint website supports NORC program planners, managers, funders, and policymakers by defining guiding principles, identifying elements of successful programs, and providing tools for program development, management, and sustainability. The site continues to grow through updates and other expansions.

Contact: Fredda Vladeck