Seaglass Village Senior Support Services Expanding In Swampscott

SWAMPSCOTT, MA — Seaglass Village, a community of seniors helping each other maintain their independence while aging in their own homes, is ramping up in Swampscott with services to assist Swampscott, Marblehead and Nahant residents.

Alyce Deveau, the retiring director of the Swampscott Public Library, will be the North Shore village's first director. The office at the First Church Congregational Church in Swampscott is expected to be fully operational by this fall.

Deveau is a member of the Swampscott For All Ages Committee, a member of the action team to make Swampscott a dementia-friendly town, and is currently the treasurer of Seaglass Village. As library director, she has hosted programs for senior citizens including knitting, music, and book groups as well as AARP tax help.

Deveau is retiring after 39 years at the Swampscott Public Library.

Seaglass Village will become one of 350 villages across the country helping seniors to live "purposeful, independent and safe lives."

The senior community is designed to come together to help each other with transportation to medical appointments, shopping, household chores as well as offering social and educational programs.

The Village Movement, according to Seaglass Village, began in 1999 when a group of older friends on Beacon Hill gathered to explore ways they could continue to live in their own homes and help each other stay healthy and socially active in their own community.

Village members realized the need for support in the future and didn't want to rely on existing solutions such as nursing homes, retirement communities and hired helpers. They wanted to stay connected with their friends.

Most services on the North Shore will be staffed by member volunteers and it is strongly encouraged that members "pay it forward" and be a part of our volunteer team in whatever capacity possible.

While Seaglass Village will not provide medical services or extensive home maintenance, it can refer members to professionals who do. Seaglass Village will maintain lists of preferred providers, ensuring they are licensed and vetted and are ready to serve our members, including home health agencies, plumbers, or other licensed contractors.

For more information on Seaside Villege contact 781-718-0401.

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(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)