Abstract
The proportion of individuals age 65 and over consists of nearly 13% of the United States population and it is expected to double by 2030. The longevity of the older population has led to the development of programs such as the Eden Alternative and The Green House project. These programs were developed to change the perception of the older population in their community and provide an alternative option to live in small residential facilities other than the medical model of long-term care. The Green House project, developed by St. John’s in Penfield, NY, is a first of its kind in the nation to be established within a residential community. The purpose of this study is to explore how St. John’s residential Green House has influenced the church community’s view of aging. This qualitative study utilizes semi-structured interviews conducted with a non-random purposive sample of three church leaders involved with the Green House project. Open-ended questions are used to stimulate discussion in the study areas of interest, specifically over their views on aging and the impact of the residential Green House on the community. The interviews are recorded, transcribed, and coded for analysis. Based on previous research, it is anticipated that the presence of the Green House will have a positive influence on church leaders’ perception of aging. Results from this study will further our understanding of the Green House project and its influence in the perception of aging in the church community.
Description
Social Work Panel
