The Future
This new intergenerational living model has proved to be very successful in Europe hence bringing it to Bristol. In summary, the plan is to create 34 one rooms on the current All Saints Almshouse House site providing 34 one-bed apartments. The format is that the younger people provide 4 hours a week of social support, which may include such things as social events, games evenings, errands such as medical appointments, shopping trips, and even just a chat over a “cuppa”, this is to be resident led rather than a structured programme. It is paramount that people are enabled to live as independently as possible for the longest period of time in whatever shape that may look like.
The experience is that older residents have greater quality of life; feel more connected to their communities; with improved mental health and wellbeing, longer independent living and more interest in life. The scheme is to give the young people care experience, cheaper accommodation and a chance to make a difference.
FAQs
What are the principal benefits arising from the proposals? The benefits are felt at both ends of the age spectrum. Older people feel less isolated and more connected to their communities and are supported to live independently, whilst younger people build skills in providing care and benefit from reduced rents.
In what way and how often will the younger residents interact with the older residents? Younger residents will be required to offer 4 hours of social support a week. At a ratio of one younger person to four older.
How will the unpaid services of the younger residents be secured? The caring obligations of younger people would be included as part of the occupation agreement, which would also enshrine the reduced rent younger residents would pay.
Will there be any staff employed to manage the development and, if so, how many and in what capacities? Yes, there will be a full-time manager and deputy manager, two part time project workers, and a cleaner/handyperson.
What is the anticipated age range of residents? Older residents will be 55+/retirement age and younger residents would typically be post-graduate, so broadly 21-30.
What will be the criteria that occupiers need to meet to be offered accommodation within the development? In housing need, to be capable of independent living, to be of retirement age, and to be on a low income.
What would be the terms and typical length of tenancies/rental agreements? Older residents become beneficiaries of the charity and are housed for as long as they are able to live independently, in whatever form that may take (home care/nursing support) and up to 2 years for younger residents.
Will residents be able to buy their units, either in part or full? No – we are a charity and it would be against our governing scheme for the properties to be sold.