Article Contents
Introduction
When considering Senior Living options, where we live is already a crucial decision to make. Whom we live with is another important detail to consider. These factors could be a source of stress or relief in the long run. It is essential to know your choices, especially when you don’t have the luxury to move from one place to another. One of your options is senior cohousing.
What Is Senior Cohousing?
Cohousing is a place where people live in separate units but have spaces for everyone to meet. It is also known as a communal living arrangement.
There are 295 cohousing communities in the US, not counting the ones under construction. It is getting more popular for Americans 55 years old and up.
Cohousing accommodates people who choose to live as a community. Anybody can live here. It’s like a regular neighborhood, except they know each other. There are also intentional communities for seniors called, Senior Cohousing. It is for people who want to grow old together. The idea is to create a community where you can socialize and take care of one another without taking away your independence. Senior Cohousing is a good alternative, but you have to determine if it’s right for you. Here’s a guide to senior living options to help you decide.
3 Reasons Why Seniors Choose Cohousing
1. Downsizing
People choose their properties based on the number of kids or pets they want to have. Most of them pick spacious houses to accommodate their loved one’s growth and development. It is a good decision, but with their grown-up kids living and working far away from them, their houses now feel enormous and tedious to maintain so they often opt for downsizing.
2. Independence
Some seniors don’t need assistance yet. It is essential that residents still do their daily activities to maintain their independence and sense of self-worth. It is the residents’ job to look after one another and follow the protocol in case of emergencies. Look into Independent Living to learn more about it.
3. Interaction
Humans need to communicate and connect, but as we grow old, we isolate ourselves from others. Don’t worry; you don’t have to interact with other residents 24/7, but keep in mind that you need to communicate with them, so they’ll know you’re safe.
Top 3 Points
1. Also known as communal living arrangement, cohousing is a place where people live in separate units but have spaces for everyone to meet.
2. Senior cohousing is getting more popular among Americans above 55 years old.
3. Some of the factors why seniors choose cohousing as a senior living option include: downsizing, independence, and interaction.
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Conclusion
Adjusting to a new place with new people could be challenging. Here are 5 tips to make adjusting easier in senior living to guide you.
A care facility isn’t always as restricted as we think. Senior Cohousing is an excellent place to live if you choose to stay independent. You can still go outside, drive your car, do some housework, and have activities with others. If you think this is best for you, but you’re already at a nursing home, this article can help you.
FAQs
Where can I find a senior co-housing community?
There are 295 co-housing communities in the USA and to find the best-suited one for you, you may check some online directories first to check available co0housing options in your region. Also, contacting local aging services organizations or senior centers might be helpful too. The Co-Housing Association of the United States can help you find a senior co-housing community in your area as well.
What are the pros and cons of co-housing?
The pros of co-housing are that it can provide a sense of community, it can be cost-effective, and it can provide opportunities for socializing. The cons of co-housing are that it can be restrictive, it can be difficult to find a co-housing community that meets your needs, and it can require a lot of work to maintain the community.
What is the difference between co-living and co-housing?
Co-housing is a type of community in which individuals live collectively in one or more houses, usually sharing common areas such as a kitchen, living room, and gardens. In contrast, co-living is a type of housing in which individuals live in separate units but share certain common spaces, such as a kitchen or living room. In co-living setting, there is much more sharing of space compared to co-housing.
