| Re: Senior Living Community Explorers Club | <– Date –> <– Thread –> |
From: Fred-List manager (fholson cohousing.org)
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| Date: Sat, 1 Aug 2026 12:18:28 -0700 (PDT) | |
Pamela A Downing <downing [at] uwm.edu> is the author of the message below. It was posted by Fred of the Cohousing-L management team <cohousing-l-owner [at] cohousing.org> after deleting quoted digest and tweaking the subject line. Digest subscribers, please delete most of quoted digest and restore subject line when replying. NOTE: Digest subscribers can make replying easier by using "auto folders" particularly Gmail and Outlook users. See http://justcomm.org/jc-faq.htm#Q6.5 -------------------- FORWARDED MESSAGE FOLLOWS -------------------- I attended that meeting (Senior Living Communities Explorers Club) and received afterwards the attached summary by Steve Gurney, the convener. I found the session very helpful and look forward to attending additional (monthly) meetings of this newly launched endeavor. From: Steve Gurney <steve [at] proaging.com> Subject: Senior Living Community Explorers Club Follow Up Date: July 30, 2026 at 8:51:50 AM CDT To: Steve Gurney <hello [at] proaging.com> You don't often get email from steve [at] proaging.com. Learn why this is important <https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification> All, Great first discussion yesterday! I look forward to many more! As promised, chat is attached and summary below Next Senior Living Community Explorers Club Cafe will be held on Thursday Aug 20 @ 4 PM Register Here<https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/gyTxkx35Skqv6F-wyX0cFA> * Solo Aging Club Cafe Monday Aug 17 @ 4 PM Register Here<https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/c7WQdo0GT2WrmzSAc9DtLw#/registration> * NEW Aging in Place Club Cafe Monday Aug 31 @ 4 PM Register Here<https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/LQ303bnlSmuS98ex0zPC2Q#/registration> Senior Living Community Explorers Club July 29, 2026 ________________________________ Registration Summary * Total Registrants: 156 participants * Active Meeting Participants: Strong engagement across multiple discussion threads * Geographic Reach: Primarily DMV region with national representation * Response Rate: ~88% provided housing interest information Housing Interest (Top 5) Ranking Housing Type Count Percentage 1 Independent Living 30 19.2% 2 Open to All Options 28 17.9% 3 Life Plan/Continuing Care (CCRC) 23 14.7% 4 Non-Senior Housing (downsizing, condos) 16 10.3% 5 Co-housing or Home Sharing 13 8.3% Decision-Making Timeline Timeline Count Percentage Description Just Starting 77 49.4% Exploratory phase, learning options Mid-range (1–5 years) 36 23.1% Active consideration phase Getting Serious (12 months) 18 11.5% Ready to move forward Long-term (5+ years) 18 11.5% Thinking ahead, not urgent Immediate Need 4 2.6% Time-sensitive decision Special Circumstances * Caregiver/Family Care Situations: 9 registrants (5.8%) * Caring for spouse with Parkinson's, dementia * Researching options for parents * Family coordination challenges * Solo Aging Focus: 9 registrants (5.8%) * Single seniors living alone * No family support nearby * Seeking community connections Key Registrant Insights Housing Preferences & Concerns: * "Looking at communities with independent cottage options. Anything to watch for in corporate-owned v. non-profit communities?" * "Looking for affordable options. There are SO many expensive properties." * "Would like more than one choice on living options that I am interested in--perhaps ranked choice" * "Interested in a rental model where you can hire caregivers" * "Needs to be LGBTQ positive; preference for women-only communities" Health & Mobility: * Ongoing care needs (Parkinson's, dementia caregiving) * Wheelchair accessibility requirements * Hospital-to-rehab transitions Lifestyle & Values: * "Wish to stay in my own home" * "Looking to make meaningful connections with like-minded people" * Active 62-year-old seeking vibrant community * Environmental concerns ("Not interested in any HOAs") ________________________________ CHAT SUMMARY & KEY THEMES Major Discussion Themes THEME 1: Defining Housing Models Co-housing: * "Interdependent living" on the independent-to-assisted spectrum * Individual private homes (mostly resident-owned, condo/HOA) * Shared Common House for meals 2-3x per week * Culture of mutual support and community * No formal staff or guaranteed care * Intergenerational (95% of communities) * Nearly 200 communities nationwide * First Texas cohousing opening July 2026 Home Sharing: * Distinct from cohousing * Individual homes shared in various configurations * Different legal and financial structures * Resource: National Shared Housing Resource Center Independent Living: * NOT the same as "aging in place" * Moving to collective living without immediate high care needs * Community amenities, activities, social engagement Village to Village Network Model: * "Aging in Community" not just "Aging in Place" * Volunteer-driven supports and services * Helps residents stay in their own homes * Example: Ashby Village (Massachusetts) * Regional gap: Reston, VA lacks village model despite member demand Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs): * Type A (Life Care): High upfront (~$400K), predictable monthly ($2,500-$5,000), most care included * Type B (Modified): Moderate upfront, moderate monthly, some care included * Type C (Fee-for-Service): Lower upfront, lower initial monthly, pay per service * Rental: No upfront, higher monthly, pay-as-you-go THEME 2: Financial & Stability Considerations Risk Awareness: * Recent bankruptcies leaving residents in financial chaos * Financial stability assessment essential before commitment * Questions about corporate vs. non-profit governance * Long-term care system described as "wealth transfer" to those who don't need it Due Diligence Tools: * MyLifeSite financial assessment tool * Comprehensive evaluation frameworks * Multiple facility visits recommended * Pro tip: Visit WITH others (companions ask different questions) THEME 3: Alternative & Innovative Models Golden Oaks (Kentucky): * Innovative senior living approach * Featured in developer interview video Bristol Cohousing (Vermont): * Recently established * Virtual walk-through tour available Houston Cohousing (Texas): * First Texas community (opening July 2026) * Virtual tour showing community elements Dr. Bill Thomas Innovations: * Green Homes model * Eden Alternative program * Current advocacy for systemic change in long-term care Intergenerational Housing: * College student + older adult home sharing * Some university-supported programs (UTA Friendship Tables) * Bridges housing needs across generations THEME 4: Specialized Topics Sub-acute Rehabilitation: * CCRC advantage: on-site rehab = no emergency decision-making * Challenge: Hospital discharge → limited placement choices * Often no choice; placed where beds available Affordability Crisis: * Consistent concern across all demographics * CCRC costs prohibitive for many * Desire for affordable assisted living Solo Aging: * Significant representation * Seeking practical solutions AND community * International dimensions (family abroad) * Financial planning unique to solo circumstances Caregiver Transitions: * Spouses moving together * Dementia care considerations * Planning for progression of care needs ________________________________ POWERPOINT HIGHLIGHTS Core Framework: "Navigating Senior Living: Understanding Your Options As You Age" Four Elements of Aging Well (Support Stool) 1. Living with Meaning & Purpose * Core to quality of life across all housing models * Community engagement opportunities * Continued learning and growth 2. Cognitive Health * Mental stimulation and engagement * Social connection (proven cognitive protective factor) * Purposeful activities 3. Getting Around (Mobility) * Physical accessibility of communities * Transportation options * Walkability and independence 4. Our Personal Village * Community and connection * Neighbors and friendships * Support networks Housing Options Spectrum Aging In Place (Your Own Home) Resources Needed: * Household Maintenance (repairs, cleaning, yard work) * Transportation (driving, ride services) * Safe & Accessible Home (modifications, aging-friendly design) * Companionship/Friendship (combating isolation) * Adult Day Care (structured activities, respite) * Home Care (personal care, health services) * Technology/Smart Home (safety monitoring, convenience) Making a Move Path Level Option Focus Active Active Adult 55+ Communities Vibrant, activity-rich, independent Walkable Co-housing/Home Sharing/Walkable Community-oriented, interdependent Independent Independent Living Collective living, no high care needs Assisted Assisted Living Personal care assistance available Memory Memory Care Specialized for cognitive decline Nursing Nursing & Rehabilitation Medical care, 24-hour oversight Life Plan Continuing Care (CCRC) Multiple levels on-site CCRC Contract Types Type Upfront Monthly Healthcare Best For Type A (Life Care) High ($400K+) $2,500-$5,000 Most/all included Cost predictability & comprehensive care Type B (Modified) Moderate Moderate Some included Balance between protection & flexibility Type C (Fee-for-Service) Lower Lower Pay per service Willing to assume future costs Rental None/Low Higher Pay-as-you-go Flexibility, no long-term commitment Support Ecosystem: "We Don't Need to Walk The Road Alone" Available Resources: 1. Area Agencies on Aging — Government Programs 2. Hospice, Hearing, Vision, Healthcare — Medical Services 3. Non-Profits, Faith-Based — Community Support 4. Elder Law, Money Management — Legal & Financial 5. Aging Life Care, Patient Advocates — Expert Navigation Five Key Tips & Perspectives 1. It's Not An "Old Folks Home" * Modern communities are vibrant and active * Technology-integrated * Multiple lifestyles available * Professional management 2. What To Do With Our "Stuff" * Downsizing and space adaptation * Practical logistical challenges * Emotional/sentimental considerations * Planning and timing needed 3. Location and Getting Involved * Regional variation in models and affordability * Walkability and community accessibility matter * Connection to existing networks * Quality of life varies by location 4. Solo Aging * Growing demographic reality * Requires intentional community building * Financial planning is different * Support structures critical 5. Don't Walk The Road Alone * Professional resources available * Peer support valuable * Multiple expertise types needed * No need to navigate in isolation ________________________________ RESOURCES & CITATIONS Featured Articles & Stories * Grassroots Revolution: 81-Year-Old Helps Others Move Beyond Fear https://www.retirementlivingsourcebook.com/articles/grassroots-revolution-81-year-old-helps-others-move-beyond-fear-and-research-senior-living * Retirement Community's Bankruptcy Leaves Residents in Financial Chaos https://www.retirementlivingsourcebook.com/proagingnews/retirement-community-s-bankruptcy-leaves-residents-in-financial-chaos Co-housing Resources * Cohousing Alliance https://cohousingalliance.org/community/ https://cohousingalliance.org/senior-cohousing/ * Senior Q&A Monthly (Zoom) https://cohousingalliance.org/courses/seniorqa/ (20th of each month) * Bristol Cohousing (Vermont) https://www.bristolcohousing.com<https://www.bristolcohousing.com/> * Cohousing Houston (Texas) https://www.cohousinghouston.com/copy-of-living-at-eeco (Virtual tour) Home-Sharing & Alternatives * National Shared Housing Resource Center https://www.nationalsharedhousing.org/ Senior Village Model * Ashby Village (Massachusetts) Part of Beacon Hill Village support network model * Aging in Community Framework https://www.AgingInCommunity.com/ Contact: Raines Cohen, CSA, CSL Video Resources * Golden Oaks Developer Interview (7 minutes) https://youtu.be/26P0jg1VMEk?si=PRz4n5BJYN4__xwx Financial Assessment Tools * MyLifeSite Financial assessment tool for CCRC evaluation Government Resources * Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) https://www.cms.gov/ Innovative Models * Green Homes — Dr. Bill Thomas * Eden Alternative — Dr. Bill Thomas * https://www.edenalt.org/ Regional Initiatives * University of Texas at Arlington Friendship Tables program (intergenerational connections) Expert Contacts * Raines Cohen, CSA, CSL Cohousing consultant & Aging in Community specialist https://www.AgingInCommunity.com/<https://www.agingincommunity.com/> ________________________________ NEXT STEPS For Individual Participants 1. Reflect on Your Timeline * Use the decision-making timeline framework * Identify which archetype describes you: * Explorer (49.4% – Just Starting) * Planner (23.1% – Mid-range) * Decision-Maker (11.5% – Getting Serious) * Long-Term Thinker (11.5% – Long-term) * Immediate Needs (2.6% – Time-critical) * Tailor resource exploration to your timeline 2. Explore Your Top 3 Housing Interests * Review the housing models spectrum * Visit national directories (cohousing.org<http://cohousing.org/>, etc.) * Schedule community tours * Visit with others, not alone * Use evaluation tools and checklists 3. Connect with Resources * Contact your Area Agency on Aging * Reach out to Aging Life Care professional * Use MyLifeSite or similar financial tools * Consult elder law attorney 4. Join Follow-up Discussion Group * Monthly Solo Aging Club meetings * Senior Living Community Explorers Club (ongoing) * Aging in Place Club discussions * Peer support and shared learning CONTACT & FOLLOW-UP Meeting Facilitator Steve Gurney, Founder Positive Aging Community / Beacon Media Solutions * Cell/Text: 703-966-6182 * Phone: 1-800-394-9990 * Email: steve [at] proaging.com<mailto:steve [at] proaging.com> * Schedule: calendly.com/proaging<http://calendly.com/proaging> * LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/gurns<http://linkedin.com/in/gurns> Expert Resources Raines Cohen, CSA, CSL Cohousing & Aging in Community Specialist https://www.AgingInCommunity.com/<https://www.agingincommunity.com/> [cid:e1725d3e-dafe-44e9-8843-9672ae10530c@namprd16.prod.outlook.com] <https://www.facebook.com/guidetoretirementliving> <https://www.facebook.com/guidetoretirementliving> <https://x.com/proaging> <https://x.com/proaging> <https://www.linkedin.com/in/gurns/> <https://www.linkedin.com/in/gurns/> <https://www.instagram.com/proaging> <https://www.instagram.com/proaging> Steve Gurney Founder/Director/Publisher Positive Aging Community 800-394-9990<tel:800-394-9990> | 703-966-6182<tel:703-966-6182> steve [at] proaging.com<mailto:steve [at] proaging.com> www.proaging.com<https://www.proaging.com/> Want to chat? Click here to schedule a time that works best for you!<https://calendly.com/proaging/30min>
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Senior Living Community Explorers Club Steven Katz, July 28 2026
- Senior Living Community Explorers Club Melanie G, July 30 2026
- Re: Senior Living Community Explorers Club Fred-List manager, August 1 2026
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