The Folio Project, Death Cafes, and Aging in Place
Michelle Surdoval, Executive Director, York Community Service Association
In November 2023, York proudly became a part of the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities. After hearing from residents, York Community Service Association (YCSA) recognized the importance of addressing sensitive topics related to death and dying as part of supporting aging in place. This realization led us to create the "Folio Project," a free two-part class designed to empower older adults with the knowledge and tools to navigate end-of-life paperwork and have crucial conversations with their loved ones about their wishes and legal documents.
During these classes, participants receive a complimentary Savor Folio to conveniently organize all their vital documents, such as deeds, passwords, and passports. We cover essential documents including Power of Attorney, Wills, Tangible Personal Property Memos, Advance Healthcare Directives, and HIPAA documents. The second class delves into institutional care, Mainecare facilities, and offers valuable time for participants to ask questions and share their concerns. The Folio Project is a collaborative effort between YCSA, the Parks and Recreation’s Center for Active Living, and BRG Legal.
Our series also starts with an introduction to the social services and older adult programs available to area residents. Furthermore, we aim to foster supportive and open conversations through "death cafes," which provide a space for attendees to explore their concerns and share their experiences related to death and dying in a guided and respectful setting.
In addition to these efforts, we offer housing-related webinars to provide resources on various topics, including becoming a landlord, homeshare programs, and creating accessory dwelling units to support aging in place. As we continue to expand this aging in place series, we plan to introduce free classes focused on emergency preparedness for older adults, create a dementia-related resources handout, and enhance our food pantry to include a “Cup of Joe Café” —a safe and inviting space for socializing and hosting age-friendly group meetings.
Warmest wishes to you for a happy and healthy summer!
Michelle Surdoval, YCSA Executive Director
For more information, please visit YCSA and Age-Friendly York.
