Cohousing-L Mailing List: Tiny Houses for elder singles and couples.

[VAN DEIST (vandeist]

I'm Van Deist, President, HomeShare Florida in Sarasota, FL.  I and my 
organization have been involved in Universal Design, visitability, independent 
living, shared housing, and elder cohousing issues for several years.  After 
six years working unsuccessfully to eastablish an elder cohousing community in 
Sarasota County, our attention turned towards the many, many elders living 
alone or as couples.
 
I have helped design a downsized, 1BR, 1BA, w/c accessible cottage in which a 
single person or couple could age-in-place nicely.  Its construction of 
Structural Insulated Panels (SIP's) makes for a storm resilient home that is 
energy-efficient & termite resistant and that has vaulted ceilings throughout 
which help belie the cottage's small floorplan.
 
Whether one is just taking care of oneself; taking are of another; or receiving 
care, this is an environment which helps facilitate the activities of daily 
living.
 
Borrowing the community spirit learned through our cohousing experience, 
HomeShare Florida is attempting to develop "pocket neighborhoods" of 1BR, 1BA & 
2BR, 2BA cottages in a cluster.  We see the residents interacting, 
communicating, and having a willingness to be "neighborly neighbors" who might 
provide support to one another and/or share the cost of common needs.
 
Admittedly, ours is a nitche market made up of elders who prefer to live in a 
stand-alone home within a potentially, tight-knit community in which one might 
find mutual support and socialization.  I know that I am one of these, and I 
plan to move into the first neighborhood that we develop.
 
Point being that study plans for these cottages are available at no charge for 
those of you who might have further interest.  vandeist [at] msn.com     
.....Van.....