All you have to do is ask! I was having a conversation recently with an acquaintance of 35 years, and brought up my interest as an architect supporting “aging-in-place.”{{more}} He said to me, “You should design some multi-generational houses.”
“I would, if anybody asked me to,” I replied. I knew he meant that it would be good if multi-generational relatives lived together. What a concept! Who came up with that one? A sociologist could tell me when we actually stopped doing this.
My point is this, Do it. Nobody is stopping you.
What better focus for integrating the principles of Universal Design? The Americans with Disabilities Act, while providing some direction toward a society inclusive of a broader range of ability levels, has also increased the contrast between able bodied and challenged persons. The designated parking spaces requiring special permits, they are useful to anybody who need some room to maneuver a large package or stroller. Protections from walking under low overhanging objects are good for everybody, not just blind people.
It just makes sense to design for inclusivity instead of exclusivity. If our homes are designed for inclusivity, they will be well suited for multi-generational residency. The design features of the home will be user-friendly to all, from children through older adults. Or, similarly aged persons, with varying abilities could live together. If they need additional help, share the house with a care-giver.
In some parts of the country, shared homes like this are reducing expenses, adding safety, and eliminating isolation for older residents wanting to stay at home. The term that has been used is “senior co-housing”.
In Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota a program called Golden Girl Homes assists people with an interest in co-housing. It may not be for everyone. A natural response is to see objections. Even generations in the same family may have a hard time living together. Personal security, privacy, legalities, and financial questions are common. Golden Girls Homes trains prospects for co-housing on how to plan a co-housing arrangement.
The National Shared Housing Resource Center promotes home sharing where a homeowner provides living space to another and they agree to an equitable exchange of help with the household or personal assistance. The home sharer might or might not be a senior, though for some there is a preference for the companionship of a person with a similar level of life experience.
While the vast majority of aging homeowners want to stay in their homes, “Aging-in-Place” has many flavors.
ANDREW ROBINSON AIA Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist, is an architect and founder of Designs for Independent Living and a member of the board of the Orange Economic Develop Commission. He serves on the Amity Village Steering Committee and the Household Services Committee of Home Haven Villages. Contact him by phone 203-795-0665.