It’s the looming question for many as they get older; how to stay independent without becoming isolated? What are the benefits of staying in the neighborhood, and what are the risks?
Many people hope to remain in their own homes they get older, but the time will come when assistance is needed, and there may not be family or friends nearby. Some people choose to sink their savings (or sell the house) to pay for care, but there are other options. Westside Pacific Villages is one model for care and support.
The local ‘village’ story began in 2007 when Westchester resident Pat Brubaker went through a series of surgeries. Like many older adult residents, Brubaker lived alone. She was lucky to receive support from friends and neighbors since her family was unable to help, but the experience made her feel vulnerable. While recovering at home, she began researching ways for older adults to get support, and read an article about a new community-based “aging in place initiative” called the Village Model which had begun in Boston and was just starting to spread across the country.
After speaking with community members and city officials, she decided the Westchester neighborhood should start its own network of support for seniors. Work was done to obtain non-profit status, and by 2010, “Westchester Playa Village” was operational. After expanding into adjacent communities such as Marina del Rey, Playa Vista, Culver City, and Ladera Heights, The Village was renamed Westside Pacific Villages in 2016. WPV now has over 80 clients and over 100 volunteers who deliver more than 500 service requests per month.
The village model allows older adults to connect and access resources to maintain their independence and stay socially connected and engaged. It’s not unheard of for volunteers to become clients, and clients to volunteer when they can.
WPV also hosts social activities every month, from movie and cultural outings to happy hours, crafts and games. WPV is one of over 350 villages in the United States, with more than 50 in California.
Village client Emilia Gentile offered “WPV has truly been a lifesaver for me. I don’t know what I would have done without them. Their drivers are like family. There are other organizations I can get rides from, but I only use them if I have to. The WPV drivers are so kind and attentive and truly care about me.”
WPV is a membership model, meaning individuals pay dues to become members of the Village, which provides access to a range of services and social activities. The cost ranges from $9 per month for a Social membership to $29 per month for a full Membership with support services. Rides are available for an additional fee.
Volunteers, Clients and Friends (Social members) are all considered Village Members, actively participating in village activities and supporting one another.
WPV has literally provided life-saving support – a volunteer showed up at a client’s home who was a diabetic having a medical emergency, and was able to call 911 and get them to the hospital.
During the pandemic, WPV jumped right into action for the many home-bound seniors who had to shelter in place. By running errands, providing social support phone calls, and delivering special weekly care packages, people stayed connected.
Village life does not work for everyone – sometimes a person dealing with cognitive decline needs more than the village can provide, or a person with major physical limitations simply can’t stay in the place they lived in when they had better mobility. Out of privacy concerns, WPV representative Diane Wade declined to share names, but she had a few stories about people for who the village model was “not a good fit…it’s not prefect, but for many people, it’s just the level of support they need to stay at home and feel secure. And for people who have time to volunteer, it’s really good karma. We are all going to get older.”
Client Maria Martin adds, “I’m so thankful for all the help and support I’ve received from WPV. Every one of the volunteers have truly made my life easier and happier—it’s honestly felt like therapy. In their company I feel more awake to the good around me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
The village is open – if you would you like to get involved with WPV and make a difference in the lives of your older neighbors, WPV always needs more volunteers to help seniors with rides to appointments, household chores, errands, or to pay a friendly visit. WPV’s greatest need is for volunteer drivers. Less than 30 minutes a week to drop someone off at their weekly hair appointment can make a huge difference in a senior’s life.
To find out more, go to thewpv.org
Judith Martin-Straw
Photo – Westside Pacific Villagers @ The Getty
Additional Text from Diane Wade