Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities (NORCs) are a recognized phenomenon; but, should we also be discussing “IDRCs”?

Often when I am visiting Washington D.C., I take Connecticut Avenue south from the Beltway as I approach the Mall. It is slower than Rock Creek Parkway, but also gives me time to see what is going on the region.

A phenomenon that I watched develop is what is sometimes referred to as a “Naturally Occurring Retirement Community” or “NORC” such as the part of the Connecticut Avenue corridor north of the main entrance to the National Zoo, where several of the high-rise apartment and condominium buildings have added pharmacies and even doctors’ offices to serve the growing number of older residents in the area. Coordinated services have been added, creating a “village” atmosphere.

But lately, I have been thinking about inquiries I have received about “what to do” when older residents need help but are resisting suggestions for appropriate services. In one instance, the setting was a small area of a dozen townhouses, where about half of the units were owned by older adults who either were struggling with their own health care needs, or had stopped maintaining their unit, or both. Some concerns raised included inoperable AC units during the worst of the summer heat, overgrown yards or broken trees or branches cluttering these properties long after a normal period for storm cleanup.

I joke sometimes that “Denial” is not just a river in Egypt. It can be a challenge for neighbors to find the right balance between “helpfulness” and “concern” when “In Denial Retirement Communities” are a problem.