SEBASTIAN — By the River, a new senior living concept, celebrated its official grand opening Monday morning. The community is already home to a handful of low income seniors who say they are enjoying art classes, yoga and other activities that keep them focused.
By the River currently consists of four senior-housing buildings, each of which has a communal kitchen, living room and activity room. The center is located at 11070 Ganga Way, off Roseland Road, in Sebastian nestled into conservation land, bringing residents closer to nature. Officials from By the River envision their housing development as a community — encouraging residents to help each other and share their lives with fellow residents.
“Socialization is so important to people living longer and having better lives,” said Florida Department of Elder Affairs Secretary Douglas Beach. “It’s organizations like this that we embrace in the State of Florida.”
The By the River organization created the housing development as a pilot project funded through numerous state and local donations. Durga Das Hutner, president of By the River, said if the project is a success others could replicate it throughout the nation as a way to care for the aging population.
“We’ve created a spot that’s going to be warm all year, a place that is so supported by many community organizations,” said County Commissioner Wesley Davis.
By the River is an interfaith foundation and does not require residents to subscribe to any belief in order to live there. The only requirements By the River residents must meet are that they are older than 62, lacking in at least two daily living activities – such as having low vision and needing transportation assistance – and be at 50 percent or lower of the median income for Indian River County.
For more information about By the River, visit www.ByTheRiver.org or call (772) 388-1518.
VeroNews.com archives contributed to this report.
