Raging in Place

Gen-x aging resources and community

Tag: Intergenerational Living

  • Revisiting HomeShare: A Golden Opportunity for Independent Living

    Revisiting HomeShare: A Golden Opportunity for Independent Living

    The St. Albert Housing Coalition is revisiting HomeShare, an innovative concept that could significantly benefit older homeowners and those needing affordable housing. First introduced in 2020, matching homeowners with individuals seeking a place to live is again a focus.

    HomeShare offers more than just renting a room. It’s a reciprocal arrangement where homeowners share their homes. This often combines a monthly rental fee with the renter assisting with household tasks. This help can mean reduced or even free rent for the renter. Canada HomeShare, a national non-profit, supports this intergenerational housing option. It aims to help older adults age in place with dignity and independence. It also fosters understanding between generations and provides affordable housing.

    It’s important to know HomeShare doesn’t replace professional home care. Instead, it helps older individuals stay independent in their homes. This is done by finding a compatible housemate to share costs and help with daily tasks. Beyond financial and practical advantages, HomeShare offers social connection and companionship. This can reduce social isolation for both the homeowner and the renter. Students, often seeking affordable housing and willing to help, could especially benefit.

    For Generation X, HomeShare presents an interesting idea. We are navigating supporting aging parents and considering our own future living situations. The possibility of our parents maintaining independence longer, with added companionship, is appealing. Also, with rising housing costs, intergenerational living through a structured program like HomeShare could become a viable option for some.

    The St. Albert Housing Coalition is not just looking at existing HomeShare models. They are actively seeking community input to create a local approach. This ensures the program meets the specific needs and preferences of residents. It will also provide an opportunity for residents to share their thoughts and ideas.

    HomeShare programs typically include operational guidelines. They also manage applications (screening and matching) and offer ongoing support for participants. Often, registered social workers provide oversight. This framework offers security and structure, which can ease concerns about entering such an arrangement.

    This St. Albert initiative highlights a creative solution. It addresses the need for affordable housing and the desire for older adults to age in place with dignity and connection. It’s a concept worth watching and potentially embracing as we and our families navigate aging.

  • Aging in Place Strategy Powers Serenbe’s $1.7 Billion Expansion

    Aging in Place Strategy Powers Serenbe’s $1.7 Billion Expansion

    A significant residential expansion is underway at Serenbe, a luxury community southwest of Atlanta, with a distinct focus on catering to older buyers seeking to “age in place.” Developer Steve Nygren, known for his previous ventures in the Atlanta restaurant scene, aims to nearly triple the number of residences in the Chattahoochee Hills development. The ambitious $1.7 billion project also includes plans for commercial spaces.

    According to a report by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Nygren’s vision for Serenbe involves 1,100 new residential units alongside a hotel, offices, retail spaces, restaurants, and civic and educational facilities. The 1,532-acre development’s initial phase will feature 97 units specifically designed for older adults, the 110-room Selborne Hotel, an expansion of the private Terra School, and new arts performance venues. Plans also include 235,000 square feet of commercial space, 75,000 square feet for civic purposes, two school buildings, and up to 180 hotel rooms. A 45,000-square-foot office building is in the works near the hotel, with construction slated to begin once 60% of the space is pre-leased.

    Serenbe, already known for its emphasis on nature and wellness and attracting high-profile residents, secured an $11 million tax break from the Development Authority of Fulton County in 2023 to support this expansion. Despite potential headwinds from rising construction costs and economic uncertainties, the project will be rolled out in phases, with an anticipated completion between 2029 and 2035.

    The focus on “aging in place” reflects a growing trend in senior housing, prioritizing options that allow individuals to remain within their communities as they age. This approach emphasizes accessible housing and services that meet the diverse needs of older adults.

    For members of Generation X, many of whom are now facing the realities of their parents aging and are beginning to consider their own long-term living arrangements, this development offers a glimpse into future possibilities. The integration of housing for various age groups within a community focused on wellness could appeal to those who value intergenerational living and access to amenities that support an active and healthy lifestyle as they age. The emphasis on nature, farm-to-table food options, and wellness facilities within Serenbe aligns with values often held by this demographic.