Our Village… Aging in Place
Source: http://www.potomaccommunityvillage.org/our-village.html
This week’s blog continues our theme of Aging in Place. Do you know about the village concept? “Villages”, are a nationwide phenomenon that has been growing since 2002. They help many seniors who wish to remain part of an intergenerational environment while living active, independent, and social lives in a familiar neighborhood. Hence, within the past few years, villages have emerged within communities to support this aging in place process. There are over 14 villages established in Montgomery County. Assisting Hands Home Care Potomac is partnered with Potomac Community Village. Read more below about our very own local Potomac Community Village community. They welcome volunteers and new members.
Our village… Why join a village?
“My wife and I joined because our objective is to live in our own home independently as we age and for as long as possible. Our grown children sleep better knowing that their folks belong to a Village.”
“Whether it was checking up on me to see what they could do for me [after I came home from the hospital], providing me with rides to medical appointments, and doing food shopping for me now that I am home, I simply don’t know what I would have done without them.”
Potomac Community Village is part of the “Village Movement” that began in the Beacon Hill neighborhood of Boston in 2002. Hundreds of Villages have since sprung up all around the county — about two dozen exist in Montgomery County alone.
Studies have shown that most people would like to stay in their homes as long as possible as they age. But to do so successfully, planning ahead is essential, and joining a Village of like-minded neighbors who support one another in this effort is ideal.
Potomac Community Village started out in May 2012 and covers Zip code 20854. It is a non-profit volunteer organization (501 (c)(3)), and membership fees ($100 a year for individuals and $150 for households) are tax deductible. Our Village offers social, educational and wellness activities that keep us engaged in our community, our minds sharp and our bodies strong. We link members with volunteers who help with transportation, some household chores that have become too difficult or unsafe, minor home repairs, running errands, friendly visits, phone calls and assistance with computers and other electronic devices. Members have access to many members-only activities and benefit from discounts at local shops and businesses as well as a list of member-suggested service providers.
We welcome volunteers of all ages and have partnered with our middle- and high school Student Service Learning program under which young people can help us with many tasks, particularly handling of computers, smart phones, tablets and other tech items.
Potomac Community Village11701 Ambleside Drive
Potomac, MD 20854
Email us at [email protected]
Help Desk phone: 240-221-1370
