Based on Podcast Episode 84: “Aging at Home with Dignity and Support – A Conversation with Melissa Ressler”

 

It’s no secret—people are living longer. But longer life doesn’t always mean a desire to move into a continuing care retirement community (CCRC). More and more seniors are choosing to age at home, surrounded by the comforts of familiarity and community. The challenge? Doing it safely and with the right kind of support.

 

That’s where Lancaster Downtowners come in.

 

In Episode 84 of our Bellomo & Associates podcast, Jeff sat down with Melissa Ressler, Executive Director of Lancaster Downtowners, to talk about how this unique nonprofit is helping older adults stay in their homes and thrive. What they’re doing isn’t just inspiring—it’s working.

 

What is Lancaster Downtowners?

Melissa explained that Lancaster Downtowners is part of a larger, nationwide movement known as the “village model.” These villages are nonprofit, membership-based groups that connect seniors with the practical support and social connection they need to stay in their homes.

 

There are over 300 of these groups across the U.S., and about eight right here in Pennsylvania. The newest one even launched in York County.

 

Lancaster Downtowners is built on the idea of neighbors helping neighbors. And it’s made possible largely through volunteers.

 

Support Without a Facility

Unlike CCRCs or assisted living facilities, the Downtowners don’t provide housing or medical care. What they offer is just as important: a network of help.

 

Members live in a variety of homes—apartments, condos, even rural properties. And they get support in three key ways:

 

1. Social Connections

Events, walking groups, book clubs, support groups—if it builds community, they’re doing it. Staying social is a big part of staying well.

 

2. “Just One Call” Program

Whether it’s getting a ride to a doctor’s appointment, fixing a tech issue, or helping with paperwork, members make one call and get connected to the right help, often from a trusted volunteer.

 

3. Home & Life Maintenance

Shoveling snow, raking leaves, grocery runs, even note-taking at medical appointments—it’s all part of the support offered. Volunteers step in where family or professional caregivers might not be available.

 

Affordable and Accessible

Lancaster Downtowners makes it easy for seniors to get involved. Membership dues are tiered based on income and can range from $0 to $15 per month. That’s right—some people pay nothing. And many members say the value they get back far exceeds the cost.

 

To join, prospective members can apply online or call directly. And if there’s a need they can’t meet in-house, the Downtowners will connect members with other trusted resources like Meals on Wheels or vetted home contractors, many of whom come recommended by other members.

 

Transportation Help, Too

One of the biggest challenges seniors face when they give up driving is how to maintain independence. Lancaster Downtowners has that covered, too. Whether it’s a trip to the grocery store, the doctor, or a social outing, volunteer drivers are available to help keep life moving forward.

 

Rooted in Community

While the group serves all of Lancaster County, the heart of its work is in metro Lancaster. That tight-knit focus allows them to offer meaningful, reliable service that builds real relationships, not just transactions.

 

Want to Learn More?

If aging at home is something you—or a loved one—wants to make possible, we encourage you to explore Lancaster Downtowners. They’re a model of what’s possible when a community comes together to support its own.

 

🔗 www.lancasterdowntowners.org

📞 (717) 584-1224

📘 Follow them on Facebook: /lancasterdowntowners

 

At Bellomo & Associates, we believe in preparing for the future with clarity and confidence. That means understanding all your options—from legal planning to long-term care solutions like Lancaster Downtowners.

 

We offer free workshops on estate planning, Medicaid planning, asset protection, probate, and more. Our mission is to help families avoid the confusion and crisis that can come from being unprepared, because we’ve been there.

 

🎓 Join a Free Workshop
📞 Call us: (717) 845-5390
📻 Listen Saturdays at 7:30 a.m. on WSBA: https://www.newstalkwsba.com

 

Let us help you or your loved one age at home with the dignity and support you deserve.