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| author |
Kevin R Hunter, Sr
| | title |
Providence Manor is A Place To Age In Place, Or Is It?
| | abstract |
This project asks the question: Is Providence Manor a place to age in place? The notion of Aging in Place is essential for Providence Manor residents to remain in their apartments as they advance in the aging process. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (hereafter referred to as HUD) has defined Aging in Place as,
The 202 program allows seniors to age in place and avoid unnecessary, unwanted, and costly institutionalization. With 38% of existing Section 202 tenants being frail or near-frail, requiring assistance with basic activities of daily living, and thus being at high risk of institutionalization, Section 202 residents have access to community-based services and support to keep living independently and age in place in their community.
Providence Manor consists of forty-six one-bedroom units with a kitchen and living room. There are forty-six predominately African-American residents of various religious faiths whose ages range from sixty-two to ninety-two. Their median income is roughly $1100.00 a month from Social Security and SSI from which about 30% of the income goes to cover monthly rent. This Doctor of Ministry project uses qualitative research methods in order to gather data by means of informational interviews and directed interactions with the three stakeholders who are responsible for the wellbeing of these residents (myself and two others). Our goal was to take the HUD Mission statement, rendered above, and from it to craft a viable Vision statement to better enable our residents to overcome various barriers preventing aging in place and to identify the available resources so the residents can continue to live at Providence Manor for the foreseeable future. Part of the research involved exploring federal, state, and local government websites which helped to both define and speak to this issue.
This project has six chapters.
The Introduction presents us with the overarching narrative of "Miss B."
- The Trauma of fear - the Root of fear, in chapter one, is the catalyst for the doubt some the residents have about aging in place. The history of the 1906 Atlanta Riots that caused many of their parents and grandparents to lose their homes, business and in some cases their lives helped to usher fear and doubt that lingers in their memories. Gentrification after the construction of the I - 75/85 interstate system and the Atlanta Beltline were a reminder that the fear of losing their homes could happen and so when they have to leave their apartment for health reasons, they fear they will lose it.
- The original vision for Providence Manor and the realty of the structure provided the purpose and mission of Providence Manor, itself, as an affordable place to live and to age in place is highlighted in the second chapter, Meeting the fear.
- Barriers affecting quality health care in chapter three – Care Issues – Dealing with the fear, is another issue that weighs heavily on the residents because they fear that voter suppression and the closing of trauma hospitals is another impediment to their ability to age in place.
- Chapter four presents the project context (Understanding the fear) and introduces us to the stakeholders who will be the heart of the project. We also find a description of the overall project design along with Theological and Scriptural underpinnings.
- Chapter five, Project Parameters – Calming the fear deals with various elements for the project and how it will come together as a plan of action.
- Chapter six – Quelling the fear in conclusion we deal with a faith-based approach that is coming to the fore in Atlanta and may aid the full implementation of this -project. We also bring "Miss B’s" narrative to a culmination.
| | school |
The Theological School, Drew University
| | degree |
D.Min. (2024)
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| advisor |
Daniel Kroger
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| committee |
Pat Weikart
Gerald Durley
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| full text | KHunter.pdf |
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