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Village To Village National Conference

 

Ten years ago residents of Beacon Hill in Boston, MA. came up with a concept for aging-in -place that has become a movement that promises to change the way we age. The recent  3 day conference in Oakland, CA. sponsored by The Village to Village Network, provided a glimpse of how widely embraced the concept has become.

The majority of seniors want to stay in their own home as they age.The Village concept supports that choice. Sounds simple? If you have any experience with this issue, you know it can be a very complex to achieve this goal! The Village Concept  attempts to make it simple for its' members.

Membership in the Village (there are now hundreds across the U.S.) involves paying an annual fee (anywhere from $150.00 to $1,250.00 depending on location and services offered), applying, and signing on. In exchange, you (or a household membership) receive access to vetted services(usually offered at a discount to members),connection to volunteer opportunities and a social calendar within the Village. The Village is a one stop shop for all practical and personal needs. Services range from transportation (the number one request, from members from coast to coast), pet sitting,home repairs, computer help, shopping assistance.....and are tailored to meet the needs of each geographic location of a village.

Beacon Hill Village and its' founders deserve our gratitude (and applause!)  as they celebrate their 10th Anniversary.  Their innovative design has started a trend that paves the way for changing  the way we care for our aging population. It is a model that now serves families all across America. Look for a Village forming near you!

For more information www.beaconhillvillage.org