Many senior people live in retirement homes, which offer rooming-in facilities. Some of these homes have medical services and the nursing staff monitor the health of the residents. However, a retirement home is not the only possible accommodation solution for an elderly person, there are alternatives that perfectly meet the expectations and needs of the elderly and their families.
Intergenerational housing
Intergenerational flatsharing is a solution that is increasingly sought after because it has many advantages. Indeed, the senior person benefits from a presence at home and help with daily tasks, while the young person benefits from a modest rent, or even free rent, in a pleasant environment. A win-win solution! It reduces the loneliness of the elderly and helps students find accommodation. More than that, intergenerational flatsharing is also a great human adventure. The downside of intergenerational flatsharing is that offers are mainly concentrated in big cities.
The Granny annexe
Increasingly popular, Granny Annexe Buildings consist of a studio in a garden, usually that of the elderly person’s family. This type of accommodation preserves the privacy and autonomy of the elderly person while allowing them to be close to their family and to share good times with his/her loved ones. If the senior needs visits from a nurse or doctor at home it can be done in a quiet and private environment without inconveniencing the people around. The elderly are often affected by loss of mobility, and as the interior design of the granny annexe is carried out by the relatives, their specific needs can be taken into account by installing ramps, handrails, low furniture, etc.
Senior residences
Senior residences are private homes for the elderly combined with community services. The residents are either tenants or owners. These residences are mostly built in the heart of cities, close to shops, transport and services. These residences allow people to overcome their isolation and have the possibility to live in a community while keeping their independence. There are two distinct forms of residences: service residences and independent living residences:
- Independent living residences
These are housing complexes for the elderly associated with collective services. They are mostly managed by public or non-profit organisations. These residences have both individual and private accommodation as well as shared spaces dedicated to community life. They are designed to accommodate elderly people, mostly independent, who no longer wish to live alone.
- Services residences
These are medico-social establishments managed by private commercial or associative structures. Service residences are designed for independent elderly people, either alone or as a couple, who can no longer or no longer wish to live in their current home. Service residences allow older people to continue to live independently and to benefit from a more secure environment.
These solutions are alternatives to retirement homes that help to avoid the isolation of the elderly while adapting to their needs. They are intended for elderly people who still have a certain degree of independence and who do not need heavy care.