Carmel Commission on Senior Living Meeting - August 27, 2025
Carmel Commission on Senior Living Meeting
On August 27, 2025, the Carmel Commission on Senior Living convened with two agenda items: a presentation by Dr. Joanne Burke, Chair of the Indiana Commission on Aging, and an update on the upcoming Senior Resources Conference planned for October 10, 2025. The meeting focused on how Carmel can adapt to population aging, urbanization, and public policy devolution, with Dr. Burke sharing local survey data, historical context, and a proposal for a dementia village model.
Public Comments & Testimony
- No public comments were made during the meeting. The discussion was limited to commission members and the invited speaker.
Discussion Items
- Dr. Joanne Burke's Presentation: Dr. Burke presented on population aging, urbanization, and public policy devolution, using data from a Hamilton County survey of adults over 65. Key statistics included: only 4% believed there was good ease of public transportation; 15% thought there was good availability of public places for older adults; 74% reported not knowing what services are available; 64% cited staying physically fit as a problem; 61% reported feeling depressed; 39% believed there was good availability of affordable housing; 47% believed there was good availability of accessible housing; and 40% thought there was good availability of mixed-use neighborhoods. She traced the historical evolution of social support from the 1800s (poorhouses) to the 1900s (federal programs) and argued that current policy devolution is shifting responsibility back to local communities without adequate infrastructure. She emphasized the importance of social connection, referencing Dr. Stefan Porges' polyvagal theory and her own experiences with horses. She proposed that Carmel consider building a dementia village modeled after the Netherlands' Hogeweyk, with small cottages, a safe enclosed environment, and community amenities (e.g., grocery, restaurant, movie theater) to support people with dementia and their caregivers. She also suggested incorporating an adult day service. Dr. Burke noted that the story of her granddaughter, who has special needs and thrived in a Carmel apartment with support, illustrates the power of community integration.
- Q&A and Commission Discussion: Commission members raised concerns about transportation, trust-building with seniors, and the need to understand what older adults want. Dr. Burke advised engaging the community through open forums, asking questions, and inviting critique of proposed ideas. She highlighted that adult day services can help families keep older adults at home longer and reduce costs. The commission discussed challenges in reaching seniors who are isolated in their own homes.
- Conference Update: The commission chair announced the Senior Resources Conference on October 10, 2025 (changed from October 9). The conference will feature: Carmel Fire Department (fall prevention), Carmel Police Department (senior scams), Dr. Bustani (Medicare caregiver program), Carmel City Library (senior programs), Shepherd Center (guardianship and counseling), Dr. Burr (medical issues), and an update on the commission's survey. A free lunch and vendor tables (approximately 15) will be provided, including resources from Cardon, Hassen Hassen Donaldson (legal), Nancy Moore (Medicare fraud), Palladium (perfect harmony), and Joey's House (daycare). Sponsorships include $3,000 from Cardon, $1,500 from BHI, and donations from Hassen Hassen Donaldson, Just Love Coffee, and Jimmy John's. The chair noted that 74% of seniors lack awareness of available resources, making this conference a key outreach effort.
Key Outcomes
- No formal votes were taken. The commission received Dr. Burke's presentation as informational and will consider her proposal for a dementia village as a potential future initiative.
- The commission will hold its next meeting to receive committee reports on transportation, housing, and other topics.
- The Senior Resources Conference is scheduled for October 10, 2025, and commission members were advised to expect assignments for setup and cleanup.
Meeting Transcript
Okay, we're calling this meeting to order. This is the Commission on Senior Living. And tonight we have two agenda items. And number one is Dr. Joanne Burke is going to be speaking with us. And then I am going to give you a summary on our conference that is going to be take place in October the 10th. So I for the little bit of a delay. We had some technical issues. But I am so well, I am so happy to welcome Dr. Burke here to our meeting. I know that you're going to want to get to know her more after you hear her presentation. You know, when Dr. Burke pulled up to my house in a large pickup truck and dressed in a farm clothes, I knew she's my kind of a woman. She's not only works with older adults, but she works with troubled teens and horses. Many of these theories that she's going to present tonight. She has learned from horses and their behavior. So that'll be interesting to watch that develop. Not only does she work with horses and mules, but she started her career as a nurse. Sounds familiar to me as well. Her passion for working with older adults started at the University of Cincinnati. She also studied in the School of Social Work. She has always advocated for older adults and now serves as chairman of the Indiana Commission on Aging. She has written the Living Longer, Living Better Guide, which has been disseminated throughout our state. I think you will enjoy this presentation and learn how we, as Carmel and our Commission, can make our community work for the people of all ages. So, Dr. Burke, it's up to you. Well, thank you very much for this opportunity to be here. Before I begin, I I just want to say a thank you to Carmel. My oldest granddaughter has special needs, and we were so fortunate to be able to get her into one of the apartments at North End, and she works with the village of Marichi up there, and it has truly I could almost cry. It is truly transformed her life. She just turned 30. She lived up in Tipton, and rural communities don't have the resources needed to support people with some special needs. She just was kind of lost up there. And she came down here her life. She moved in a year ago in February. And she's done really, really well. She's so proud of herself. And we got her a job across the street at Woodland Terrace. She walks to work, works three days a week, and it's delightful to watch her just blossom and grow. So thank you, Carmel. So now with that said. And Dr. Burke, we just approved uh phase two to that north end project, the city did, and that will include a uh 55 plus over 200 uh 55 plus apartments there, too, as well. Okay. Great. Now something happened. Let's just find out. Okay. Small technical glitch again. All right, we're back in business if I can make this work right.
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