May 26, 2026
Aging at Home While Waiting on the Waitlist: Local Support in Tompkins County
Wait times to move into a senior living community are often longer than we would like. And even when an opportunity becomes available, life’s circumstances can make it difficult to say yes right away.
You may feel less ready than expected, experience changes in health, or find the prospect of downsizing overwhelming.
Whatever the reason for waiting, local services can help support day-to-day needs—making it possible to continue aging at home safely, comfortably, and with greater peace of mind.
The Local Landscape
In Tompkins County, nearly 15% of residents are between the ages of 65 and 84. The Tompkins County Office for the Aging (COFA) highlights several common challenges older adults face:
- Home Maintenance
More than 30% of older adults report difficulty managing exterior upkeep, such as lawn care and snow removal. - Transportation
Approximately 8.2% of seniors do not have access to a vehicle, making transportation the most commonly reported barrier to health care. - Access to Medical Care
Nearly 20% of older adults express concern about getting to medical appointments.
The Importance of Community Connection
Social well-being is just as critical as physical health. In COFA’s 2019 Needs Assessment Survey:
- Nearly three-quarters of respondents identified loneliness or social isolation as a community-wide concern
- One in five said it was a personal concern
As Dr. Robert Waldinger, psychiatrist at Massachusetts General Hospital and professor at Harvard Medical School, emphasizes: “Loneliness kills. It’s as powerful as smoking or alcoholism.”
“Loneliness kills. It’s as powerful as smoking or alcoholism.”
Dr. Robert Waldinger
As the director of the long running Harvard Study of Adult Development, Dr. Waldinger reinforces that strong social connections are one of the most important factors in living a longer, healthier, and happier life. The link below outlines and describes this study in more detail: Over nearly 80 years, Harvard study has been showing how to live a healthy and happy life — Harvard Gazette
Local Resources to Support Aging at Home
Fortunately, the Ithaca area offers a range of services designed to help older adults remain engaged, supported, and independent while living at home.
- A vibrant community center for adults age 50+ serving Tompkins County since 1952
- Offers free tax preparation, Medicare counseling, and technology support
- Provides ongoing classes, lectures, and wellness programs
- Creates opportunities for social connection and lifelong learning
- A welcoming, inclusive membership-based community for adults 50+
- Supports aging in place through social opportunities, volunteer engagement, and resource coordination
- Focuses on helping members remain active, connected, and independent in their homes and neighborhoods
- Provides volunteer services such as transportation, tech support, errands, light home maintenance, gardening, and more
Senior Lifestyle Solutions of Ithaca
- A nonprofit offering concierge-style support for aging at home
- Coordinates services such as transportation, meal preparation, housekeeping, personal care, and home maintenance
- Oversees providers to ensure quality, consistency, and peace of mind
- Designed to simplify independent living and reduce the stress of managing multiple services
Tompkins County Office for the Aging (COFA)
- Provides unbiased information on services for older adults and caregivers
- Helps individuals navigate long-term care options and community resources
- Supports independent living with a focus on dignity and quality of life
A Bridge, Not a Barrier
Waiting for the right time—or the right opportunity—to move into a senior living community doesn’t have to feel like standing still.
With the right combination of services, support, and community connection, it’s possible to continue living safely and meaningfully at home—while staying prepared for what comes next.
