Helping seniors stay independent at home

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — A national movement designed to help older adults age in place is now taking shape in Bowling Green.

BG Resource Connections Village, presented by Empowerment Group—Making A Difference, is working to connect seniors with resources that allow them to remain independent in their homes and other settings.

The “village” model began in the Beacon Hill area of Boston and has since expanded to more than 240 villages nationwide. Another 100 are currently in development, including one in Berea.

Organizers say the goal is simple: provide connections. That includes transportation options, caregiving support, help navigating accessibility challenges and guidance with online systems like My Healthy Vet. The group has also hosted sessions to help older adults learn how to use smartphones and other technology.

But leaders say sometimes the greatest need is social.

“We get calls from people who just need someone to talk to,” organizers said, explaining that volunteers are sent out to help reduce isolation.

The effort is not a brick-and-mortar location. Instead, it operates as a virtual, community-based network — what organizers describe as “neighbors helping neighbors.” Some villages across the country even serve entire neighborhoods.

The local initiative is still in the early stages and is currently operating as a 501(c) organization. CREATE, an innovation hub for Kentucky innovation that provides collaborators with connections—has taken the village under its wing and will help provide additional resources as the program grows.

Leaders say they are also advocating for older adults to have a stronger voice in long-term community planning efforts, including the What Could BG Be and BG 2050 initiatives. They believe not enough is currently built into those conversations specifically for seniors and want to ensure they are not overlooked as Bowling Green grows.

Community input is now being sought to determine what services older adults need most. It has not yet been decided whether services will carry a cost, but organizers say fees would be kept as low as possible, if necessary.

Volunteer recruitment is expected to begin soon, with opportunities open to all ages. Many volunteers are expected to be older adults themselves. Organizers hope to eventually offer volunteer insurance once the group becomes financially stable.

Future plans include small home assistance projects, such as changing lightbulbs and helping with minor chores,  pet therapy visits and a supply drive to collect hygiene items, toiletries and detergents for veterans. The group also plans social gatherings, including a community watch party for the Oscars.

Organizers say the mission is still evolving, but the vision is clear: build a supportive network that allows older adults in Bowling Green to live vibrant, connected lives at home.