Supportive Services Programs in Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities

Findings presented in this report are based on information derived from three sources — a review of the literature, discussions with national experts on naturally occurring retirement communities (NORCs), and case studies of NORCs and their associated services programs in five Agency on Aging demonstration sites. In each of the five demonstration sites (Baltimore, Cleveland, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and St. Louis), Jewish social services agencies provide supportive services for the elderly. Based on the literature and expert opinions, the authors develop a conceptual model of NORCs and NORC supportive services programs, which they use to structure a discussion of the five demonstration projects. The authors then highlight policy issues related to NORC supportive services programs for consideration by stakeholders and policymakers at the federal, state, and local levels. An annotated bibliography is provided as an appendix. [146 PDF pages]