Will Senior Villages Last? Some Question Viability
Senior villages, virtual retirement villages … just villages. Whatever you call them, to many, they seem like a great option. You guys have expressed a lot of interest when we’ve written about them, in fact. They’re organizations seniors join to get the everyday help they need to stay in their own home.
But the Associated Press reports that interest may not be enough to sustain these organizations. Villages also need money.
No village has managed to fund itself through membership fees alone. All rely on donations, grants or, in some cases, the willingness of directors to run them for free. …
Established villages like Beacon Hill and Capitol Hill have sophisticated fundraising operations, but even Beacon Hill lost members during the recession. Others are on much shakier ground.
Despite that, “Andrew Scharlach, a Berkeley gerontologist who’s conducted the most extensive academic research on villages … believes there’s potential for growth.”
You can read the article here: “Aging Americans Stay Home With Aid of ‘Villages.’” If you’re thinking about starting a village, these OurParents articles will help you flesh out what that involves:
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Leigh Ann Otte is a freelance writer who specializes in health and aging issues. She covers finding and paying for senior care for OurParents. If you have any questions about this post or need help finding senior-care options for a loved one, call 1-866-483-4896 to speak with a care advisor in your area.
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