TiP Implementation Goals
TiPD was a 4-year project (1 year of planning and 3 years of implementation) funded by the Maine Health Access Foundation. Although the grant ended in 2017, its framework of collaboration and community-based planning to support communities where people can remain healthy and engaged as they age has been the foundation of our healthy aging work since that time.
During the initial TiP planning grant, the data collected through interviewing elders and caregivers were used to develop goals for project implementation. These goals are based on five general priorities identified by participants as important elements of "thriving in place."
Basic Needs—for example, enough money for basics and extras, healthy foods, hot meals, dependable transportation, home repairs, exercise, safe housing, fuel, enough rest, time to breathe, access to healthcare/insurance
Independence (but not isolation)—for example, choices, control, able to get out of bed, respite from caretaking, living in own home
Social Connection—for example, friends, community connections, scheduled events/senior centers, being with loved one, connections to people in similar situations
Emotional Well Being—for example, decreased depression, alertness, balanced, not feeling stuck, freedom from worry, purpose and meaning in life
Health Care/Resource Navigation—for example, insurance, finances, legal issues, paperwork
Based on these priorities, during the planning process TiP partners developed a three-year implementation plan of collaborative projects and activities designed to support caregivers, elders, and people with chronic conditions. The implementation plan reflects the following overarching strategies:
Enhancing outreach, support, and proven programs to our target population by building upon existing community-based resources, many of which are unique to rural Maine
Developing a comprehensive system of communication and marketing to "connect the dots" between the various systems of care and to help residents become fully aware of current resources
Determining the health care and social service needs of under-insured, un-insured, and/or medically under-served on the Blue Hill Peninsula and Deer Isle/Stonington