Seniors take a village, too

Clayton Valley Village (CVV) is generating enthusiastic buzz from seniors in Clayton and Concord.

One member says she joined at the urging of her son who lives on the East Coast, because he rests easier knowing she’s got a village to help with things she can’t tackle any longer – like changing smoke alarm batteries when they chirp. Anna, who is 90, says she’s having the most fun she’s had in years at CVV’s lunches, mixers and bocce games. And she no longer feels so alone.

If you live in Clayton and much of Concord, CVV is a way to live in your own home with help from volunteers as you get older. It’s not a brick and mortar building, but rather a concept – part of a movement started in Boston 20 years ago by neighbors wanting to help each other stay home as they aged. Screened volunteers assist members with tasks around the house, along with transportation and technical help.

“As much as our services are a big help, we are finding our social and educational activities have been a source of ending isolation and developing new friendships,” said Sue Manning, CVV president. “Our interest circles such as Village Explorers hiking and walking, Out to Lunch Bunch, Armchair Travelers, Writers’ Circle, Movie Group and our two bocce teams stimulate us mentally and physically. Our monthly mixers at different restaurants are open to the public. Through the village, you’ll find ‘assist in’ living rather than assisted living.”

For more information about becoming a member or volunteer, visit claytonvalleyvillage.org or call 925-626-0411.