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About the project
New Brunswick needs more affordable housing for older and younger adults. An intergenerational living model could address these challenges. While many older adults want to age in place, it is often difficult due to expense and declining health. Living alone as one ages can lead to social isolation and other negative impacts. These issues can eventually strain health and social services.
Conclusions and lessons learned
It was not anticipated that the uptake of home sharing was going to require such a large social change.
- Home sharing matches require:
- More emphasis on expectation management and relationship engagement between matches.
- Greater support from a social worker through the participant journey.
Recommendations
- Recruit older adults (who like having company, but who are starting to have difficulty with some household tasks) and young adults (international students).
- Create home sharing agreements that directly state the financial exchange and expectations.
- Preparing and ongoing support for matched participants for home sharing.
- Have older adults contribute to the services that they need and request. Providing the opportunity to do so gives older adults purpose and meaning. It also leads to better decisions and design.
To learn more read the complete project findings (PDF 175 KB)