Assisted co-living, a burgeoning trend in senior housing, merges the independence of co-living arrangements with the supportive services of assisted living facilities. It offers a unique option for older adults who desire community, affordability, and personalized care, all under one roof.
What exactly is assisted co-living?
Imagine a vibrant, shared living space designed specifically for seniors. Residents have private bedrooms or apartments, but share communal areas like kitchens, living rooms, and outdoor spaces. Unlike traditional co-living aimed at young professionals, assisted co-living provides additional support services tailored to meet the needs of an aging population. This may include:
- Non-medical assistance: Help with daily tasks like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
- Meal preparation: Access to nutritious and delicious meals, often cooked communally.
- Social activities: Organized events and outings to promote socialization and combat loneliness.
- Transportation assistance: Assistance with errands and appointments.
- Wellness programs: Fitness classes, health workshops, and other activities to promote physical and mental well-being.
Advantages of assisted co-living:
- Affordability: Sharing common spaces and resources can bring down living costs compared to traditional assisted living facilities.
- Independence: Residents maintain their own private spaces while receiving necessary support, fostering a sense of autonomy.
- Socialization: The community setting combats loneliness and isolation, offering opportunities for connection and shared experiences.
- Personalized care: Services can be tailored to individual needs and preferences, ensuring the right level of assistance.
- Aging in place: Allows seniors to stay in familiar surroundings and communities for longer, delaying the need for more intensive care settings.
Who is assisted co-living for?
This option is ideal for seniors who:
- Are generally healthy but require some assistance with daily living activities.
- Value social interaction and community engagement.
- Seek an alternative to traditional assisted living facilities or nursing homes.
- Desire to maintain their independence while receiving necessary support.
Real-Life Examples of Assisted Co-Living: Impacting Seniors Globally
The assisted co-living model is blossoming worldwide, with unique implementations catering to diverse contexts and needs. Here are some impactful examples:
North America:
- Village at The Orchard (Los Angeles, USA): This vibrant community houses adults 55+, offering private apartments, shared communal spaces, and a comprehensive range of care services, including housekeeping, transportation, and wellness programs. Residents enjoy social events, fitness classes, and on-site dining, fostering a strong sense of community.
- Nesterly (Multiple locations, USA): This co-living company caters specifically to seniors, offering shared homes with private bedrooms and access to shared amenities like kitchens, living rooms, and outdoor spaces. They provide light housekeeping, meal preparation, and social activities, creating a supportive and engaging environment.
Europe:
- Silvershare (Multiple locations, UK): This organization operates co-living houses for seniors, focusing on creating vibrant communities that combat loneliness and isolation. Residents have private rooms and share communal spaces, enjoying daily meals, social events, and access to care services like medication management and transportation assistance.
- Hogeweyk (Amsterdam, Netherlands): This innovative dementia village replicates a real town, with residents living in private apartments and navigating familiar surroundings like shops, cafes, and a theater. Staff are disguised as residents, providing 24/7 care in a natural and stimulating environment, improving well-being for those with dementia.
Asia:
- Granny Pods (Singapore): This co-living concept provides seniors with small, modular units attached to their children’s homes, offering them independence while ensuring proximity and support. Residents have access to shared amenities like gardens and activity rooms, fostering social interaction and community engagement.
- SilverNEST (Multiple locations, India): This organization offers co-living homes for seniors, featuring private rooms, shared communal spaces, and on-site care services. They focus on promoting active aging through social activities, fitness programs, and cultural events, empowering residents to live fulfilling lives.
Impact on Seniors:
These examples showcase the diverse ways assisted co-living is impacting seniors globally:
- Combating Loneliness and Isolation: By fostering social interaction and community engagement, these models address the critical issue of loneliness faced by many seniors.
- Promoting Independence and Autonomy: Residents maintain their own spaces while receiving the necessary support, allowing them to age in place with dignity and choice.
- Affordability and Accessibility: Sharing resources and living spaces can make senior care more affordable, opening doors to a wider range of individuals.
- Improved Well-being and Quality of Life: Access to care services, social activities, and a stimulating environment can enhance physical and mental well-being.
The future of assisted co-living
As the senior population grows, the demand for innovative housing solutions is expected to rise. Assisted co-living, with its focus on affordability, personalized care, and community living, is well-positioned to meet this demand. The future may see further development of these models, with more diverse options catering to different needs and preferences.
