Intergenerational life can address affordable housing and nursing gaps – Retirement Research Center
As part of the ongoing housing crisis solution, there is growing discussion about “social” housing. Although it may have various meanings, social housing is essentially public housing or subsidized housing that usually comes with services. It is the middle of Vienna housing and is usually rated as the most livable city in the world.
Unlike many subsidized housing in the United States, social housing is of high quality, often including residents with different incomes.
In a recent podcast, I had the opportunity to discuss a unique form of social housing with Derenda Schubert, director of Bridge Meadows, Oregon. Sanqiao Meadow Community provides housing for seniors and foster families.
There are 36 to 40 housing units in the existing community. Seniors live in one- and two-bedroom apartments, as well as family members of three- and four-bedroom townhouses.
Benefits for the elderly and young people
Schubert describes the benefits of this arrangement. Foster care families and the elderly have stable housing. More adults benefit from children's lives. The older residents live happily with their children.
“People come to this community because they want a sense of connection. They don't want to be socially isolated, they want a sense of belonging. Our elders do want a sense of purpose. They don't want to just sit around.”
The community shares two open spaces outside, and there is also a multi-purpose room that “can be used for everything, for Tai Chi,… Meals,… Happiness Times, Yoga, Yoga, [and] Adoption ceremony (which one [are] Stand only room) and Kleenex on the table because they are so beautiful. ”
Schubert explained that many foster families are already extended families, with grandparents and other relatives stepping in when their parents are unable to raise their children. I ask what happens when children age in the foster care system. Since these are large families, they usually still have a home, she said. Additionally, Bridge Meadows has developed a smaller community that offers 15 apartments for young people aged 18-24.
Schubert explained that the Bridge Grassland community’s funding comes primarily from the federal low-income housing tax credit program and received other assistance, including funds from the municipalities where the community resides. Residents themselves also have to pay rent, but at subsidized interest rates.
Natural support system
Senior residents of Bridge Meadows community are able to “be at the right age.” “Elders just need to live safely in their communities. [aide]because this is their home. They also have this amazing community. This incredible community really cares about each other. ”
Schubert explained that the community supports each other. “We've already gone to the hospital for several reasons and they're back to their homes in the apartment… instead of going to the rehabilitation center. Some people do go to the rehabilitation center, but they stay less because… the care provider knows that when they go home, there's a group of neighbors who will take care of them and provide them with meals.”
The community also has staff of social workers who support residents as demand progresses. By allowing residents to age, the burden on overstretched elderly care systems is reduced.
Similar social housing communities across the country are scattered, combining the elderly and fostering families. First is the Treehouse Community in Easthampton, Massachusetts. The fortress in New Orleans provides social housing for injured veterans and their families. While so far, based on the need for affordable housing and elderly care, if these types of communities expand, there can be a real impact.
For more information about Harry Margolis, check out his risk in Senior Blog and Podcast in the United States. He also answers consumer real estate planning questions at Askharry.info. To stay up to date on the Squared Blog, join our free email list. You will only receive one email per week.
