Elder Law

New ?Village? Community Helps Elderly Residents Stay in Their Homes

By Levin & Perconti

As frequently reported on this blog, elderly residents across the country now have more options when they reach a point in their lives when they need additional assistance. Our Chicago nursing home lawyers at Levin & Perconti continue to watch as nursing homes provide inadequate care to vulnerable residents in their facilities, so it is no surprise than many seniors wish to avoid these negligent homes for as long as possible.

One alternative option is participation in what are becoming known as "elderly villages.? As discussed today in a Columbus Dispatch article, there are currently around 50 villages in the country, with nearly 100 more in various stages of being organized. These villages are buddy-style communities that allow seniors the chance to stay in their homes but still receive low-cost nursing visits, home maintenance, and other help that is needed.

The group is comparatively low-cost, with members paying $400 a year to cover employment costs of two staff members and other expenses. Collectively, members are able to negotiate discounts with home-care aides, physical therapists, and other medical providers.

Besides that basic care, the village also acts as a support community, helping each other when necessary. Monthly events are held which helps educate seniors, for example, on avoiding financial scams?a growing problem in the community.

For many elderly residents who are in need of additional help as they age, the benefits of the village are clear. Maintaining their independence is an important consideration for many seinors. As one member of an elder village explained, ?I don?t want to have to move to a retirement community and I don?t want to move in with my children.?

The popularity of these alternative care communities will continue to grow. If traditional nursing home providers keep allowing inadequate and abusive elder care at their group homes, than the benefits of the alternatives will become even more obvious. As the director of one elder village explained, ?It?s a revolution.?

Full post as published by Illinois Nursing Home Abuse Blog on August 30, 2010 (boomark / email).