What is a Village?

AGING IN PLACE: VILLAGES

What is a Village?

A Village is a community or group of people who want to live in their own homes as they get older, with all the resources needed to live active lives. A village provides many of the benefits of a traditional retirement community—all in the comfort of the family home. Village residents maintain their independence, their friendships and multigenerational community connections. Because they work together to ensure each other’s continued health and safety, residents are able to live long, full lives in their homes.

What Does the Village Offer?

Villages offer volunteer help to their members. Volunteers provide transportation to medical appointments, grocery delivery, and other specialized services as needed. Volunteers may also help with simple tasks at home. Examples include small repairs, changing light bulbs, providing cooked meals to a sick neighbor, or offering assistance with laundry for someone who was just released from the hospital.

Villages focus on building social connections. There are organized events, large and small, that are of interest to the community. Villages may organize book clubs, walking groups, knitting clubs, guest speaker events, group outings and so much more. Many Village events take place at a neighbor’s home; others take place at a local church, synagogue, mosque, library or community recreation center. Villages often partner with other local organizations to develop programs together.

Who Creates the Village?

Villages are created by residents of the community. The residents are people who have a vision for an improved quality of life for all. Every new Village starts with a vision and with a dedicated core of individuals ready and willing to make that vision a reality.

For more information, visit www.wavevillages. org or Village to Village Network - National Network: www.vtvnetwork.org.

Find a Village in Maryland: retirementlivingsourcebook.com