Missoula Villages helps seniors stay independent

Missoula, Mont. — A program that launched in January in Missoula aims to help seniors live independently by connecting members who could support each other.

Missoula Aging Services runs Missoula Villages using a reciprocity model, with people joining to both give help and receive it.

Member Paul Gjording said he brought practical skills to the group and could help with smaller jobs around the home.

“I am pretty handy. I used to be a homeowner, so I can take care of a whole lot of things, just short of being a contractor. So, I'm not going to rebuild somebody's bathroom. But if the mirror falls down and you need help putting it back up on the wall, I can probably help you or, change the light bulb or squeaky doors,” said Paul Gjording.

Ria Overholt, community services director at Missoula Aging Services, explained that small problems can add up for older adults and make it harder for them to remain at home.

“It's often not big things that, cause them to need to leave their homes and go into to heavier care situations. It's a buildup of little things over time. And so, this village's network has a real proven track record of being able to provide that little bit of extra assistance, that little bit of extra connection that people need,” said Ria Overholt.

The program also hosted events for members and helped seniors build connections in other ways.

“I'm way more likely to do almost anything if I if I'm with somebody. That includes going to the gym and going to the gym just to ride a bike in the gym, it's a lot easier if there's somebody next to me. So just the idea of companionship and making friends as I get older,” said Paul Gjording.

Missoula Villages vets and background-checks all members before they joined, which the program said helped people feel more comfortable making those connections.