Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities (NORC): The Role of Collaboration and Capacity in Service Delivery

Purpose: When older adults live in communities that have the capacity to provide supportive services for them as they age, they are more likely to achieve a higher level of physical health and emotional well-being. Naturally occurring retirement communities (NORCs) have emerged as a model of care designed to improve or maintain the quality life of adults as they age. Research suggests that NORCs may be an effective way to help seniors age in place and avoid moving to a more restrictive residential setting (Carpenter, Edwards, Pickard, Stark, Neufeld, Morrow-Howell, Perkinson, & Morris, 2007). This presentation will report the results of an exploratory study of NORC participants and service providers in two diverse communities. The role of collaborative partnerships in the NORC model and its impact on service delivery will be examined.

Method: Key informant interviews were conducted with NORC participants (N = 13) and service providers (N = 11) at two NORC locations in a southeastern city. Program participants were asked about their NORC involvement, services and programs used, knowledge of community resources, perception of their ability to age in place, and the participation benefits. The service provider interviews explored perceptions of operating procedures, motives for participation, and suggestions for improving the program.

Results: Access to information about topics relevant to older adults, social interaction, and support are the primary benefits seniors at both sites have experienced. The service providers are motivated by their desire to become involved in the community and support the NORC mission. Increased networking opportunities, personal satisfaction from helping others, financial resources, and an expanded service delivery area were the most frequently mentioned benefits received from their NORC affiliation. The differences between the sites suggest that the NORC experience is influenced by existing community characteristics and the organizational capacity of the lead agency to coordinate and administer NORC-related initiatives.

Implications for Practice: Collaborative partnerships are an important component of the NORC model of supportive service delivery. According to the press-competence model of adaptation and aging (Lawton and Nahemow, 1973) community environments can have the most negative impact on older adults who already have reduced cognitive, psychological or physical competence. If communities do not provide adequate and quality services or if there are significant access barriers the health and well-being of adults may be lessened (Robert & Li, 2001). Since the physical and social environment influence service delivery, it is important to increase community capacity to provide health and supportive services to older adults.

References

Carpenter, B.D., Edwards, D.F., Pickard, J.G., Palmer, J.L., Stark, S., Neufeld, P.S., Morrow-Howell, N., Perkinson, M.A., & Morris, J.C. (2007). Anticipating relocation: Concerns about moving among NORC residents. Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 49, 165-184.

Lawton, M.P.& Nahemow, L. (1973). Ecology and the aging process. In C.Eisdorfer & M.P. Lawton (Eds.), The psychology of adult development and aging (pp.619-674). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.

Robert, S.A. & Li, L.W. (2001). Age variation in the relationship between community socioeconomic status and adult health. Research on Aging, 23, 234-259.