Cohousing-L Mailing List: Re: Cohousing and chronic illness

[Mark Frauenglass (WORKGROUP/MAILDATA/Mark%Acquilano_Leslie_Inc+p]

>I am a professional with a disability, (multiple sclerosis), and view
>co-housing as a natural place for living independently but with a support
>network.   Persons with disabilities or chronic illnesses are often
>substantially independent but need that assurance that help is around if
>needed. Aside from a few accomodations that are really just common courtesy

>a disabled person will not require any more support than others in a
>supportive, caring community.
>Jerry Ford, Canada
>Mike Ford

Highline Crossing was required to build 5 handicap accessible units.  We
built 6.  There is current discussion on changing some of the unit plans
so that there are more units with main level bedrooms because these
1 bedroom units are the ones that sold the fastest.  These would be
accessible also.

We had an interesting experience with a mentally handicapped person.
One unit was presold to this person.  A sound/playback system was even
designed to help her with managing time and other tasks.  The intent
was that she could live an independent life from her parents who were her
lifetime caretakers.  It became too much of a burden on members of our
group when she 'attached' to them.  Not everyone was cognizant when
one person was being overwhelmed to be able to give them some relief.
As a result, she (her parents) withdrew from the community.

The same thing happens when a member has a tantrum.  I feel
like we're being used as a therapy group.  There are limits to how
much touchy-feely stuff I can take.  I'm a neighbor, not a saviour.

Disabilities are OK.  We have a handicapped member who looks
out for himself and it is no problem.  But I would draw the line when
it becomes a burden to me.

Mark Frauenglass
Highline Crossing