Live Together, a not-for-profit corporation with a mission to help providers and developers create person-centered living communities using an intergenerational model for at-risk youth and older adults, recently announced the official launch of its residential care prototype. This residential model was developed by a group of experts to create an inclusive community and improve and change the status quo of segregating older adults, families, and children from society.
Overcoming the effects of isolating residents by age and ability, the Live Together intergenerational living model provides opportunities to bring supportive residential care solutions to the forefront.
Conceived by founder Jane Rohde, AIA, FIIDA, ASID, ACHA, CHID, LEED AP BD+C, GGA-EB, GGF, the Live Together intergenerational residential care model emerged from Rohde’s extensive involvement in the elder care community and working with young women living in the foster care system. Being a volunteer parent herself, she sees the benefits for both groups to share and thrive from mutual relationships and the potential the model has to address multiple social issues and maximize independence, choice and dignity in a person-centered home environment.
Sites for a Live Together community can be as varied as the people living there. A community can be collocated with an existing children’s home, within existing urban or rural redevelopment areas, co-located with student housing, universities and health systems, or integrated with existing senior living communities such as independent living and assisted living/memory care and continuing care retirement communities. The model can facilitate additional revenue and opportunities for programming for young people through workforce development while providing purpose and meaning for elders and families.
[Related: Jane Rohde's Mission to Transform Senior Living and At-Risk Youth]
The community model can integrate different types of independent resident living for elders, families, youth aging out of the social services system and students. Standard one-, two- and three-bedroom apartment styles can accommodate elders, couples, families and students. Household model designs for communal living can offer private sleeping spaces, socialization and higher level of safe care continuity, while increasing affordability for all ages. Higher levels of care such as assisted living, memory care and home healthcare can be planned as part of the community.
An engagement center is positioned to serve as the fulcrum in the community for residents, families and staff. The center provides a place for the community at-large to interact with residents at a café and in activity and recreational areas. It also provides space for workforce development, training and education, research and development of technology skills for front line staff and administration alike.
“Successful community is all about communication and building relationships—for all ages—to support quality of life,” said Rohde. A Live Together intergenerational community aims to weave together all aspects of community into a successful social fabric that is culturally rich to support a full and meaningful life.
For more information, visit www.livetogethercommunity.org.
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