title: The "Village" model: a consumer-driven approach for aging in place.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study examines the characteristics of the "Village" model, an innovative consumer-driven approach that aims to promote aging in place through a combination of member supports, service referrals, and consumer engagement.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty of 42 fully operational Villages completed 2 surveys. One survey examined Villages' member characteristics, membership types, and fee structures. An additional survey collected information about organizational mission, goals, methods of operation, funding sources, challenges, and older adults' roles.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Villages provide a variety of support services designed to help members age in place, meet service needs, and promote health and quality of life. Most Villages operate relatively autonomously, relying primarily on member fees and donations. Village members typically are highly involved in organizational development and oversight and provide services to other members in almost half of the Villages. Members predominantly are aged 65 years or older, White, non-Hispanic, homeowners, and have care needs that are slightly lower than those of the elderly U.S. population overall.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Villages are a promising model for addressing service needs among middle-class seniors who seek to age in their own homes and communities. Financial sustainability is apt to be a challenge unless Villages secure more stable sources of funding. Organizational sustainability may be promoted through affiliations with social service agencies and other sources of technical and financial assistance. Future evaluation is needed regarding the impact of Villages on elders' ability to age in place as well as the long-term sustainability of the Village model.
authors.affiliation: School of Social Welfare, University of California, Berkeley, USA. scharlach@berkeley.edu
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Scharlach
authors.forename: Carrie
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Graham
authors.forename: Amanda
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Lehning
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging; D019058:Community Networks / Q000458:organization & administration*; D003256:Community Participation; D005260:Female; D006299:Health Services for the Aged / Q000458:organization & administration; D016852:Housing for the Elderly / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D026684:Personal Autonomy; D011788:Quality of Life; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D012944:Social Support; D012947:Social Work; D014481:United States