Avenidas Village Celebrates Both National Aging-in-Place Week and Its Own Sixth Anniversary in October
Palo Alto, CA (PRWEB) October 03, 2013 -- Living a healthy and comfortable life in their own home is something that 92 percent of adults over 50 want, according to Rebuilding Together, and that’s what Avenidas Village has been providing to seniors on the mid-Peninsula since Oct. 2007.
To celebrate their sixth anniversary and to honor National Aging-in-Place Week, Avenidas Village, located at 450 Bryant St. in Palo Alto, will open its doors to the public for four open houses: 10 a.m. Oct. 10 and 17, and 2 p.m. Oct. 28 and 31. Seniors and their families, friends and neighbors are invited to enjoy a cup of coffee and light refreshments as they ask questions and learn more about Avenidas Village.
“Once people understand the concept of how Avenidas Village acts as a virtual retirement community, they want to join for the safety net we provide that allows them to remain in the homes and communities they love while still having access to all the activities and services they want and need as they age,” states Avenidas Village Director Vickie Epstein. “We keep them active, safe, mobile and connected, and that’s what’s allowed us to enjoy an average retention rate of 89 percent.”
For an annual membership fee that breaks down to about the price of a cup of coffee - less than $3.50 a day for a couple - Avenidas Village members have one phone number to call for 24/7 support. For example, one member’s house was broken into, and after calling the police, the member called Avenidas Village, whose staff was able to arrange for a handyman to go to the member’s home that very afternoon and fix the window the burglar had broken, allowing the member to sleep easier that night.
Another benefit that members use frequently is the network of over 200 vendors that Avenidas Village has vetted, ranging from plumbers to gardeners, errand-runners to dog walkers.
Many people want to stay in their own house because retirement homes can run $3,000 to $7,000 per month, plus initial fees of up to $2 million. They also enjoy their diverse neighborhoods and familiar surroundings, as well as having enough space for family to visit and the ability to keep their pets. What they need to stay in their own home includes health care support, property maintenance help, transportation, administrative support, and social interactions. Avenidas Village offers all of these to members.
For health care support, Avenidas Village has partnerships with El Camino Hospital, Kaiser Permanente, Palo Alto Medical Foundation, and Stanford University Hospital. The Village also has homecare and other health service providers in its network of vendors, along with a medical advocacy program called “Med-Pals” and an optional daily personal check-in phone call.
For property maintenance, Avenidas Village has screened vendors with discounted services including plumbers, electricians, handymen, contractors, and painters. Additionally, members can sign up for a free emergency preparation review and home safety check.
Another no-cost benefit to members is transportation to and from a doctor’s appointment for those unable to drive. For other transportation needs, Avenidas Village works to coordinate a volunteer to drive, or they will arrange another option.
For help with administrative and financial support, Avenidas Village has vetted bookkeeping and housekeeping services, among others. A free “Legal 411” program is also available.
For social interactions, Avenidas Village offers monthly activities such as a rotating “Lunch Bunch” that dines at different restaurants, neighborhood get-togethers, tours, cultural outings, and volunteer opportunities. Members also enjoy a private listserv that lets them swap ideas and information.
If interested in becoming a member, call (650) 289-5405.
About the company:
Avenidas Village is a program of Avenidas, a non-profit agency that seeks to create a community that supports and celebrates older adults. It provides a wide range of support options, information, and services that enable people to stay active, maintain their independence, help their aging parents, or care for a spouse. Avenidas’ innovative programs and compassionate staff help enrich the lives of more than 6,500 mature adults and their families each year. Avenidas serves the mid-Peninsula communities of Palo Alto, East Palo Alto, Stanford, Menlo Park, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Atherton, Portola Valley, Woodside, and Mountain View. For more information, please visit http://www.avenidas.org.
Kari Martell, Avenidas Village, http://www.avenidas.org, 650-353-3316, [email protected]
Share this article