Founder and Executive Director Linda Fodrini-Johnson, MA, MFT, CMC
With the Baby Boomers aging what will the future hold? Will they want what they want right now – instant gratification? Some may choose more commune-like living – different from assisted living – more self-directed and self-governed living and create a new way to live. They would have more control over menu planning and structured activities or entertainment. And of course, all pets would be welcome, too!
What would that look like for you? I see four or five condos linked together with a common room or large family room for art projects, exercise and shared meals. Each individual or couple having their own living quarters, maybe even their own patio or small raised gardens as well as a larger garden. A shared housekeeper and maybe a few shared meals each week. As individuals aged in place, they could share a caregiver to assist with personal care and, if couples needed respite from the care of an ill spouse, they could support one another with short respite care.
I think that Professional Geriatric Care Management is a must for aging positively and pro-actively; I envision a Care Manager spending some time each of these pods of condos. This professional could run community meetings, support those who need support and see that new candidates for each group were appropriate. Also, the Care Manager would advocate for the residents when medical issues presented themselves.
Individuals would “buy in” as is common now in other cooperatives and pay a monthly fee for the common area, housekeeper, garden upkeep and the Professional Geriatric Care Manager. I realize I left out all the possible negative “what if’s”…but visioning is just visioning. Aging in place my way!
My friends and I have been discussing this sort of plan for years. We are mostly all in our middle to late 50’s and have known each other for years.
The idea of continuing to age as friends in an environment such as you mentioned has very good possibilities.