To better serve the community and help individuals find the resources to age in place, the South Carolina Aging in Place Coalition has become a Chapter of the National Aging in Place Council. The Greater Charleston Chapter is a nonprofit organization supporting people as they prepare to age in place independently, comfortably and safely. Its initiatives include community education, employment, housing, outreach and transportation.

Charleston is one of 15 chapters around the nation and the only one in South Carolina. The chapter has more than 55 local members representing senior services in the areas of healthy living, financial and legal services, livable residences, supportive relationships and transportation. Chapter members pay national and local dues and undergo a criminal background check as part of the membership application process.

Barbara Franklin, chairwoman of the Chapter, said an advantage of this transition is that the public can turn to chapter members knowing they are a vetted group of providers. “Our members are committed to serving the aging population in Charleston and their families,” Franklin said. “With the backing of a national organization like the National Aging in Place Council, we can learn from the best aging in place practices and will have more resources and information we can share with the Charleston community.”

In addition to establishing local chapters around the country, the National Aging in Place Council advocates for policies, regulations and business practices that promote Aging in Place and also promotes National Aging in Place Week each October.

To learn more visit www.ageinplace.org.