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Services such as transportation, fitness programs, handyman services and in-home care are a few of the services essential to community engagement by retirees and seniors.
The dilemma faced by many communities is the reluctance to increase taxes to provide services to a specific segment of the population.
However, by not addressing the unique needs that allow older residents to age in place forces retirees to consider relocating to communities that can provide the required services or closer to their family network.
The net effect to communities facing this dilemma is that they not only fail to attract new retirees, they lose many of their long term residents.
The loss of this segment of a community's population undermines the social fabric, volunteer network and economic viability of the entire community.
In response to meeting the needs of retirees without imposing a burden on the greater community, an alternative has been initiated by a growing number of communities across the country.
The alternative is referred to as an Urban Village.
The original Urban Village was implemented by the seniors in Boston's Beacon Hill neighborhood.
The fundamental idea is the formation of a not-for-profit organization which provides an environment for older residents to come together to support the common desire to stay in their home and neighborhood as they age.
The members of the non-profit pay an annual fee and/or volunteer their services to the village.
The monies are used by the Village to provide services needed by residents.
These services are determined by the unique needs and resources of the individual members.
These Villages are grass root, member driven organizations which are dedicated to finding solutions for member needs.
Services vary from Village to Village, but the basic services typically include: - meals delivered or prepared in home - transportation, personalized to members - house cleaning - referrals and discount rates for home repair and in-home healthcare - shopping and delivery services - grocery and retail - purchasing discounts at local retailers and restaurants - negotiated discount rates for medical and other professional services - assistance in managing finances, i.
e.
paying bills, banking, etc.
- pet sitting/plant watering - assistance with miscellaneous errands - wellness seminars - continuing education, host and negotiate access/discounts at local education facilities - travel and special events - concierge The Urban Village organization is kept simple and horizontal.
A board is elected to guide the organization's work.
The Village collects an annual fee to be paid by each household.
Each Village has a different fee structure and mission based on member needs, with annual fees per household typically in the range of $600 - $1,000.
Volunteer services are factored into the annual fee and members can bank their hours to offset membership costs.
Although the Board is composed of members who direct daily programs, staff members are typically employed to provide oversight of administration and services.
The benefits of membership in an Urban Village is not only financial, it also provides opportunities for social engagement and adds value and purpose to members' lives.
Additional information can be obtained at http://www.
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