While Peter Shanley’s article about the launch of JP@Home is accurate as far as it goes (“JP@Home senior living group launches,” April 20), it’s missing some important ingredients.
The article described the purpose of the group as “enabling [members] to live in private housing rather than a nursing home.” Typical of many scenarios about aging in America, the picture it paints is too narrow.
Don’t get us wrong. We’re well aware that increased support and care are part of our futures. Ethos’s willingness to extend its many services to JP@Home’s middle-income residents for discounted fees is a welcome benefit.
But every one of the 89 JP@Home charter members we’ve met so far is an independent, vital, active contributing member of the JP community. We joined JP@Home because we want to stay that way as long as possible. The programs and activities of this grassroots group are designed to do just that.
We look forward to seeing more articles in the Gazette reporting on the positive, life-enhancing activities of JP@Home members—dining out together in local restaurants, sharing skills, discussing important issues, continuing to learn, celebrating accomplishments, and making important contributions to Jamaica Plain, both economically and civically.
Judy Goggin
Elsa Bengal
JP@Home members
Jamaica Plain