Shared housing for the elderly : a descriptive examination of the concept and selected local agency activity in the southeast

The purpose of this thesis was to investigate the concept of shared housing for the elderly. The sharing of households by non-relatives leads to the efficient use of housing resources and rationally contributes support and income to elderly participants. Currently, this historically common phenomenon is being revived by agencies which sponsor group residences or arrange for persons to share a private home. Literature research was used to describe the concept and national spectrum of shared housing, while four case studies investigated a variety of southeastern programs. The study found that shared housing is beneficial to individuals and communities in a variety of ways, but can also present disadvantages to participants. These drawbacks, as well as ordinances and policies at all governmental levels, present barriers to the creation of shared housing benefits. Shared housing cannot solve all future elderly housing, financial, and care problems, but appears to be a part of a rational and efficient solution to these issues. Programs that are well planned, have adequate funding, and only allow appropriate applicants to participate appear to have good prospects for success. It is likely that research and advocacy by social science professionals, federal funding support, and the removal of governmental barriers could help to make shared housing a vital component of a comprehensive plan to meet the challenges posed by the "aging society".