Seniors Are Aging at Home with Help from a Village

Seniors prefer aging at home

In an AARP survey of U.S. seniors, 90% said that they want to age in their homes. But 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.

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.

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?

Image: JWeekly

About the Author

Connie Chow

Connie was a hands-on caregiver for her grandmother for 20 years. (Grandma made it to 101 years old!) She knows how challenging, overwhelming, and all-consuming caring for an older adult can be. She also knows how important support is — especially in the form of practical solutions, valuable resources, and self-care tips.