New program helps Newport, Middletown seniors stay in homes during golden years. Here's how

In Middletown alone, 30% of those 65 or older live alone.

In Newport, 93% of senior survey respondents said they want to live in their own homes as they continue to age.

By May, help should be on the way.

Mary Alice Smith, the co-chair of the local Village Common group of Middletown and Newport, said that in a few months, seniors could rely on volunteers to help them run errands, fix Internet issues or just change a lightbulb.

Caroline Dillon, executive director of The Village Common of Rhode Island, and members of her non-profit staff began meeting with locals last spring and less than a year later these local residents will be officially forming the Greater Newport Village.

“They are a fantastic group from the community,” Dillon said during a recent interview. “They are passionate and driven and we are thrilled to be working alongside them.”

What is the Village Common?

“The concept is a simple one. It’s neighbors helping neighbors,” added Smith during a recent interview.

Smith said Dillon met with local residents last May and shortly thereafter Smith and a group of interested parties began meeting almost bi-weekly.

In the past few months, meetings have been held at the Middletown Public library. A Feb. 8 meeting drew more than 100 people and a meeting on March 19 drew 35.

Through Dillon and her staff’s direction, a strategic plan was drafted and now there are 28 volunteers willing to help those in need in Newport and Middletown.

Smith said her Greater Newport group has not had to start from scratch. The program is a worldwide one that began in Boston in 2002 and then in Providence in 2015.

The volunteers are subjected to background checks and are trained, according to Smith.

The Greater Village volunteers do not offer health assistance or medical care. But unlike a local senior center, volunteers can enter seniors’ homes and help them with small chores and repairs, as well as run errands such as medication pickup and deliveries.

“It’s that added bit of help for people who need help with the challenges of aging,” Smith said

Smith said the program is endorsed by the American Association of Retired Persons and the World Health Organization.

How the program works in RI

In Rhode Island, the Village Common operates in a building in Providence. Since starting in that city, there are now “villages” in  Barrington, Burrillville, Edgewood, Gloucester and Westerly, according to a written release. When a senior calls, it goes to all volunteers within that community. The first responder then visits the senior’s home.

Smith emphasized that the program runs through emails and phone calls, with Dillon’s office serving as the only physical place of operation.

Smith said the Greater Newport Village could expand to Portsmouth as well.

Smith said that in 2020, Newport became recognized by AARP as an “age-friendly community.” Through that process and the subsequent data gathered by The Village Common of Rhode Island, they have learned that seniors desire a community with affordable housing; good transportation; opportunities to walk to destinations; as well as easy access to park and recreation areas. Seniors are also looking for opportunities to socialize.

“We learned a lot about what seniors want in Newport,” Smith said, adding that it also reflects the interests of the entire community.

“If you make it better for seniors, you will make it better for everybody,” Smith said.

Smith said some seniors in Greater Newport not only live alone but away from family so the prospective work of the Greater Newport Village would come in handy.

Smith said the Greater Newport Village has enough volunteers but it still needs official members. Right now, there are 28 volunteers, but volunteers can also serve as members, Smith said.

Smith is optimistic the Greater Newport Village will have 10 official members in April, which would put the group on par for a May start.

Smith said that the program helps other people in need as well.

Dillon confirmed that it is not age-specific. People with Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis or other needs can join.

Dillon said that the concept revolves around the idea that everyone has gifts to offer. Those who might not be handy might be able to help in other ways.

“We are communities of mutual support. We support each other in aging together,” Dillon said. “We feel that everyone has a gift to share.”

Dillon said the suggested amount to receive the service is $40 monthly but it is a suggestion and people can pay what they can afford.

For more details, contact newport@villagecommonri.org or visit villagecommonri.org.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Village Common of Rhode Island helps seniors stay in homes