Napa County has a higher percentage of older adults than California as whole: 20% of the County’s population is 60 or older, and a third of those are 75 or older—and those numbers are growing.
UpValley Village’s range of services will be based on members’ needs and interests and may include:
Professional services from vetted third-party providers. Staff can schedule (or recommend) handymen or contractors, transportation providers, home helpers, legal/technology/administrative assistance, dog/house sitting, etc. Members will enjoy priority status and/or discounted rates from providers.
A pool of vetted volunteers. Coordinated through the Village, they can help with shopping, cooking, laundry, transportation, etc.
Social and cultural events and activities. Members will be able to be active and involved, and connect with other members.
UpValley Village to Open This Summer
Nearly 80 percent of adults age 65 and older prefer to remain in their current residence as long as possible rather than move into a residential retirement community, according to a 2012 AARP survey.
But what happens when older adults are no longer able to drive or get around easily? When shopping, cleaning or cooking becomes difficult, or managing accounts becomes too much?
“When people most need help with these responsibilities is when they are more likely be hesitant to ask for it—not knowing how to get help or for fear of losing autonomy,” says Collabria Care Director of Operations Celine Regalia. “We were looking for ways to help Napa County seniors stay in their own homes by 1) connecting them to reliable resources for the help they need, 2) removing their hesitation to seek help, and 3) strengthening their connection to the community.”
In early summer, Collabria Care will launch a program designed to help seniors do just that: the UpValley Village.
A Grassroots Effort
Villages are part of a grassroots effort that started in Boston in 2001. Run by volunteers and a small staff, these nonprofit programs augment existing local services and provide many of the amenities of a retirement community. There are now 200 Villages in the US.
The first in Napa County will be based in the St. Helena Red Cross office, next door to the Rianda House Senior Center, and will serve residents from Yountville north. The program will have a coordinator to answer calls and questions from members, as well as walk-in assistance, which will give members easy access to services. Costs to operate the program will be covered by member dues and community donations.
A countywide survey of older adults showed that 69% are interested in such a program. Services they deemed important but not readily accessible included recreational and educational activities, transportation, home repair, dementia/Alzheimer’s support, caregiving, legal assistance, and low-cost dental.
“With the UpValley Village, members will have a trusted resource for help—no matter how large or small the request—and be able to connect with other members through its programs and activities,” says Regalia.
“They’ll be better able to remain in their home and maintain their quality of life.”
The UpValley Village is scheduled to open in the third quarter. For more information, call Celine Regalia at Collabria Care, at (707) 258-9080.