1. What is Coastal Neighbors Network?

Coastal Neighbors Network is a community-based, nonprofit membership organization that provides services and information to enable Dartmouth and Westport residents to live safely, independently, and comfortably in their homes.

Our mission is to enable Dartmouth and Westport residents 50 and over to remain at home and to stay connected to the friends and community they love through a range of services provided by Volunteers and approved vendors.

Coastal Neighbors is one of over 290 Villages across the country that offer older adults options for staying at home and staying active even after transportation and household chores become difficult or dangerous – the point at which many people leave the place they love.

Coastal Neighbors received the official 501(c)3 status in November 2017. The organization is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. Andy Pollock, our paid Executive Director, and more than 100 trained Volunteers run the day-to-day operation of the village.

We have over 150 Members, approximately 80 of those Members receive services. We have held dozens of social events and have provided hundreds of rides, home assistance and social visits. We are financially strong thanks to the growing membership base and the generosity of our many friends in the communities we serve.

2. Why do we need Coastal Neighbors Network?

The simple answer is, we are getting older. In fact, every day in the United States, 10,000 people turn 65. In Massachusetts, 43% of the population are seniors and 30% live alone. In Dartmouth and Westport, our older populations are increasing. There are an estimated 20,000 people between the ages of 50 and 85, an increase of over 30% from the 2010 census, and more than 5,000 households with individuals aged 65 and over.

Moving into a long-term care facility can be an expensive proposition. The yearly cost of a private room in a Massachusetts nursing home is an estimated $139,584, and the estimated yearly cost of an assisted living facility is $63,600. Homemaker services average $4,528 per month and the monthly average for home health care is $4,767.

More and more people are exploring the option of staying in their own home near their friends and neighbors for as long as possible, in part because it's less expensive than other choices. But Coastal Neighbors Network also offers them a choice that’s fun, flexible and affordable. If children live far away, Coastal Neighbors gives the kids peace of mind. Best of all, Members stay connected to their friends and the places they love.

Whether it is a night at the movies, a lecture, a potluck supper, a ride to a yoga class, or a church outing, we enable and empower Members to enjoy social activities without worrying about transportation, night driving, or logistics. It has been proven that this kind of socialization helps prevent depression and dementia and is key to our happiness as we get older.

3. What is the cost of Membership?

Coastal Neighbors Network offers three levels of annual membership:

• • • Single Service Membership: $660/year
    • Household Service Membership: $900/year
    • Short-Term Membership: $200/3 months
    • Supporting Membership (All social activities, 2 months of services on request): $350/year 

Our services include:

• • • Transportation: Volunteer drivers provide rides to medical appointments, stores, markets, fitness centers, deliveries, pet-to-vet.
    • Home Maintenance: Our Volunteers provide help with simple chores where a professional isn’t needed, such as light bulb or furnace filter changes, storm door inserts, installing grab bars, moving anything heavy, etc.
    • Social Opportunities: We offer a full menu of social events throughout the year, from a festive 12th Night party in January to brunches, trivia and croquet tournaments, pot-luck suppers, and workshops to create holiday wreaths. 
    • Companionship: Our Volunteers visit Members one-on-one in their homes, sharing a hobby, a game of cards or just a friendly conversation.
    • Technology Assistance: We can help with all your devices, computer, tablet, TV, phone.
    • Health Connections: We are not a health care provider, but can assist members with referrals for doctors, therapists, in-home health care, medical equipment, home modifications (grab bars), help with insurance forms.

4. Does Coastal Neighbors Network compete with the Council on Aging?

No. Dartmouth and Westport are blessed with several excellent organizations serving our older neighbors. However, these groups cannot provide all the needed services all the time to all the people. Coastal Neighbors Network adds a non-competing layer of support and connections to existing services. We dovetail with groups such as the Council on Aging, Home Instead, YMCA, and others.

Coastal Neighbors Network is a home-based organization, meaning we come to your home to help you. Many of the programs at the Councils on Aging take place at their facilities. Their transportation service is excellent but necessarily runs on a limited schedule. We provide transportation when you need it. We have a good relationship with all elder-care organizations and work closely with them to ensure the best possible services are available to everyone in our communities.

Coastal Neighbors Network allocates a percentage of the yearly budget to a Reduced Fee Membership fund for people who wish to join but feel they cannot afford it. Folks wishing to apply for a Reduced Fee Membership may contact Andy Pollock, the Executive Director, and he will be happy to review each situation individually and confidentially.

We hope this document answers your questions about Coastal Neighbors Network. But if you have other questions, we welcome them and will try our best to help you get to know us. Simply contact Andy Pollock, Executive Director: (508) 556-4004 or andy@coastalneighborsnetwork.org.

Thank you for your interest.