Seniors Are Aging at Home with Help from a Village

village movement

Seniors prefer aging at home

In an AARP survey of U.S. seniors, 90% said that they want to age in their homesBut it’s not realistic for older adults to live independently in their homes forever.

That’s where a concept called the Village Movement comes in. A Village helps seniors continue aging at home, get trusted help when they need it, and stay social to prevent the negative effects of isolation.

We explain what a Village is, how joining one helps your older adult live independently at home, and where to find one in their area.

 

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What is the Village Movement?

The Village Movement is a nationwide network of non-profit membership organizations. Each Village helps local seniors live independently in their homes.

Members pay a fee for access to and help with vetted local services including transportation, handyman services, help with household tasks, and organized social activities.

On average, it costs about $50/month or $600/year.

 

How does a Village membership work?

A Village works like a concierge service. If a member needs a service, they’ll be connected with approved local companies, able-bodied Village members who donate their time, or volunteers who are vetted and trained.

For example, if a Village member needs grab bars installed in their bathroom, they would contact their Village office. They could get a referral to an approved contractor or get help making the arrangements.

In many cases, the Village office would have already negotiated group discounts with local businesses, so members would get better pricing too.

Each Village offers a wide variety of assistance, so members can request help with almost anything.

 

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Who is the Village Movement right for?

Joining a local Village is a good choice for active, healthy seniors who usually don’t need too much help with activities of daily living.

The support and social life that members of a Village benefit from is similar to what an independent living community would provide. 

The biggest differences are that older adults don’t have to move out of their homes or pay fees to join and live in the community.

Seniors might consider joining a Village because they:

  • Want to live independently, but need help with home maintenance
  • Don’t want to leave their home and neighborhood to move to an independent living community
  • Live in rent-controlled apartments and would face huge rent increases if they moved
  • Need help with household chores, home maintenance, or transportation
  • Have shrinking social circles and want to socialize, make new friends, and participate in group activities
  • Need some help, but don’t want to bother relatives or don’t have any family in the local area
  • Want to contribute to their community by helping other Village members or organizing social activities

 

Bottom line

If your older adult prefers to live in their current home and/or it makes financial sense, joining a Village might be a good way for them to stay safe, healthy, and independent.

They’ll be able to enjoy the benefits of helpful services as needed, join in a variety of social activities, and have someone to call anytime for trusted help.

 

Next Step  Learn more and find a Village in your older adult’s area

 

Recommended for you:
Use This Guide to Help Seniors Stay in Their Homes
How to Talk with Parents About Aging: Conversation Starters
Should Your Parents Consider Moving to Independent Living?

 

By DailyCaring Editorial Team
Image: JWeekly

 

This article wasn’t sponsored and doesn’t contain affiliate links. For more information, see How We Make Money.


4 Comments

  • Reply November 17, 2019

    Mary Forget

    My husband + I are a senior disabled couple who are being evicted from our apartment home (of the last 28 years) due to no fault our own. The landlord wants to sell the house and bring the apartment up to code before he can sell the house. We can’t afford the various options due to being low income + don’t qualify for much of any assistance. The option of a community village livin
    g sounds very interesting and we (at least me) would be willing to consider this alternative. Can I find out more information?
    Thank-s.

    • Reply November 22, 2019

      DailyCaring

      I’m so sorry this is happening. Unfortunately, the village movement is a concept and not an actual living community. It’s like a concierge service for older adults who are living in their own homes.

      To get help finding housing, you may want to contact your local Area Agency on Aging to see what type of help or referrals they can provide. More info here — Area Agency on Aging: Resources for Seniors https://dailycaring.com/area-agency-on-aging-resources-for-seniors/

  • Reply July 25, 2017

    bernadette burgess

    I need help with my mother

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