Home upkeep, running errands, staying connected, and working with home technology can all become harder as we age. Some people worry that not being able to manage these tasks will mean they will have to move in with a relative or into assisted living or a nursing home. But many tasks can be easily accomplished by family, friends, and neighbors who have extra time to help, as long as there is a way to complete them safely and conveniently. That is why people in several local towns have stepped forward to create “Villages.” Villages are networks of volunteers who are vetted and insured and available to help with household tasks. They usually have a phone number to call, and a call manager then assigns a local volunteer able to help with the task.
The latest communities to establish a Village are the towns of Whately, Deerfield, and Sunderland, whose residents, after several years of planning, launched Valley Neighbors in February.
The latest communities to establish a Village are the towns of Whately, Deerfield, and Sunderland, whose residents, after several years of planning, launched Valley Neighbors in February. Valley Neighbors is now offering rides and friendly support services to resident members 60 years plus who want to live independent, engaged lives in their homes—with a little neighborly help. Current services include transportation, phone check-ins, tech help, and more on a limited basis—following Covid safety practices. For more information or to request a service, please call 413-453-9057, or visit valleyneighbors.org.
The first program to launch in our area was Village Neighbors, serving Leverett, Shutesbury, Wendell, and New Salem, in 2018. Village Neighbors’ volunteers help members by providing transportation, help for small tasks at home, friendly visits, and computer help. Village Neighbors welcomes new members and volunteers. Call 413-345-6894 for more information, or visit villageneighbors.org. Villages also exist in Northfield (Northfield Neighbors at Home; 413-225-1029) and Petersham (Petersham Partners; 978-724-0078). In neighboring areas, Northampton, Amherst, and Easthampton all have Village programs. If you are interested in forming a Village in your community, LifePath can connect you with resources; call 413-773-5555 x2215.
Villages provide a critical service in the aging network, working in conjunction with Councils on Aging, senior centers, and Area Agencies on Aging like LifePath. They pick up the day-to-day help that people may need outside of a formal service plan or a senior center. Together, these organizations make a support system for aging well in Franklin County and the North Quabbin. By taking the lead in creating Village programs in their towns, residents are helping to ensure the safe and happy living of their neighbors and all of us as we age.
