Aging in the "Village"
Aging in the “Village”
Aliya – Lisa’s Mom
A village is a membership organization that links older adults with community resources, programs, and expertise, enabling them to lead meaningful lives in their own homes, without relocating to retirement communities.
When Lisa’s mom relocated to live with Aunt Mariya, the transition was laden with uncertainties. She was really concerned about her social butterfly mom’s ability to build a social support system.
Lisa, determined to weave a tapestry of support and engagement for her mom, remembered a segment on the “Village Movement” she had once seen on TV, which illuminated a community-driven approach to aging in place.
Intrigued by the prospect of a nurturing environment, Lisa Googled “Village Movement” and ended up on the Village-to-Village Network website. She was able to find a local Village that promised a blend of social engagement and mutual support that seemed tailor-made for her mom’s needs.
Lisa called the phone number listed on the local Village’s website. She described her mom’s personality, interests and asked, “What will it take to enroll my mom as a member?”
The very pleasant Executive Director she talked to explained, the short process of validating proof of residency in their zip code, background check and interview. The Executive Director added “It’s a coincidence that I am going to meet the next-door neighbor of where your mom and aunt live this afternoon. I can swing by and get their process started at 4pm today?”
Lisa jumped with joy and said “Absolutely!”
Armed with information from what the Executive Director had told me and the village website, Lisa called her mom expecting to get some resistance. However as soon as Lisa shared “They have a full calendar of daily events that includes Mahjong, Knitting, Story Telling, Movie Night, Singing, and mom they also celebrate Easter Egg Hunt, your favorite holiday together.”
That clenched the deal. Lisa’s mom had such fond memories of the Easter Egg hunt as a child, she had passed on that infectious enthusiasm for the hunt of colorful easter eggs to the entire family.
Lisa’s mom enjoyed the bartering system, where members exchanged services using favor points, even more. It became a game for her. She wanted to earn the most points in June. Her culinary prowess quickly became a currency of care, earning her favor points that not only enriched her life but also provided a safety net of companionship and assistance for Aunt Mariya.
The Executive Director was initially not open to admitting her aunt as a member of the Village. She insisted that her aunt’s son would need to be interviewed by them, as he had power of attorney for her aunt. Since her son was out on a month-long business trip, Lisa introduced the Executive Director to her aunt’s daughter-in-law. After that conversation the Executive Director decided not to accept Lisa’s aunt into the program, the reason cited was “too dependent on others to qualify for our program.”
Lisa’s mom suspected that the true reason for refusing Lisa’s aunt’s admission into the village was that she saw a dysfunctional family dynamic between her aunt and her daughter-in-law and did not want the other village members to get thrown into the fray of the arguments.
Her mom’s suspicion turned out to be true, as overtime as the Executive Director saw how involved Lisa’s mom was, she said to her mom one day, “your sister can be a temporary member while you are a member of the village and living with her.”
So, both her mom and her aunt became very socially active. Her mom used to say: “Our village people have reminded my sister how to laugh and live again.”
Lisa’s mom became very independent because of the village. Lisa was delighted to hear from her mom one day “Our sink was leaking, and I used one of my Favor Points to have someone come and fix it for us. I didn’t even tell your cousin that we had a problem. I just got it fixed, with MY Favor Points.”
This was a stark difference from the panicked call she had received from her mom one day when her dad was not feeling well, and the toilet was clogged. Lisa recalled how hard it had been to find the right plumber on the Internet and arrange for him to go to her parents’ home for an emergency visit to unclog the toilet.
For Lisa, witnessing her mom’s revitalization and Aunt Mariya’s rekindled zest for life within the Village’s embrace was a revelation. The laughter and camaraderie that filled their days, the small victories in navigating daily challenges, all painted a vivid picture of what aging with dignity and support could look like. The Village, with its ethos of mutual aid and community, had not only provided Lisa’s mom with a sense of purpose but had also subtly redefined the contours of her independence, leaving an indelible mark on their lives.
Village of New Horizons
Elaine had always been the heart of her family, known for her active social life and constant involvement in community events. When her health started to decline, Kendra, her daughter, knew they needed to find a supportive environment where her mom could continue to thrive.
Kendra had heard about the “Village Movement,” a community-based approach to aging that promoted social interaction and mutual support. She began researching and found a local Village called New Horizons that seemed perfect for Elaine.
Kendra called the number on the Village’s website. “Hi, I’m Kendra. My mom, Elaine, is looking for a supportive community where she can stay active and social. Could you tell me more about your Village?”
The coordinator, Vanessa, responded warmly. “We’d love to have your mom join us. We have a simple process: proof of residency, a background check, and an interview. I can visit you tomorrow to get started.”
The next day, Vanessa visited Elaine and Kendra. She explained the Village’s activities—gardening, book clubs, fitness classes, and music nights. Elaine’s eyes sparkled with interest.
“I’ve always loved gardening,” Elaine said. “And I used to play the piano at community events.”
Vanessa smiled. “You’ll fit right in here. We even have a community garden where you can grow your own plants.”
Elaine quickly became a member of New Horizons. She enjoyed tending to the garden, sharing her knowledge with other members, and playing the piano at the weekly music nights. The Village’s barter system, where members exchanged services using favor points, intrigued her, and she eagerly participated.
One day, Kendra received a call from Elaine. “I used my favor points to get help with some heavy lifting in the garden,” Elaine said proudly. “I didn’t need to bother anyone else for help.”
Kendra was relieved. “That’s fantastic, Mom. I’m so glad you’re enjoying yourself.”
Elaine’s involvement in the Village brought new life to her days. She was surrounded by friends and felt a renewed sense of purpose. The supportive environment allowed her to maintain her independence while staying socially active.
A New Chapter for Grace and Leon
Bella and her Parents’ Story
Grace and Leon had spent their entire lives in a close-knit community, but as they aged, their needs grew beyond what their small town could provide. Bella, their daughter, knew it was time to find a place where they could receive the care they needed while remaining socially engaged.
Bella learned about the “Village Movement” from a friend and decided to explore it further. She discovered a Village called Evergreen Haven that promised a supportive community for aging adults.
Bella called the Village coordinator, Lyle. “Hi, I’m Bella. My parents, Grace and Leon, are looking for a community where they can stay active and get the support they need. Could you tell me more about Evergreen Haven?”
Lyle was enthusiastic. “We’d love to welcome your parents. We just need to verify their residency, conduct a background check, and have an interview. I can come by tomorrow to meet them.”
The following day, Lyle visited Grace, Leon, and Bella. He explained the Village’s activities—walking clubs, art classes, cooking workshops, and storytelling sessions. Grace and Leon were intrigued.
“I’ve always enjoyed painting,” Grace said. “And Leon loves to cook.”
Lyle smiled. “We have something for everyone here. You’ll find plenty to keep you busy and engaged.”
Grace and Leon soon became members of Evergreen Haven. Grace joined the art classes, creating beautiful paintings that were displayed in the community hall. Leon shared his culinary skills in the cooking workshops, teaching others his favorite recipes. The Village’s favor point system, where members exchanged services, appealed to them, and they actively participated.
One afternoon, Bella received a call from her father. “I used my favor points to get help fixing the roof,” Leon said. “It’s great not having to worry about these things.”
Bella was happy to hear it. “That’s wonderful, Dad. I’m glad you’re both settling in so well.”
Grace and Leon’s involvement in Evergreen Haven brought joy and fulfillment to their lives. They were part of a vibrant community that supported them and allowed them to remain active and independent.
The Village had provided a new chapter for Grace and Leon, filled with friendship, creativity, and a sense of belonging. Bella felt at peace knowing her parents were happy and well cared for.
