Multi-Generational Housing: New Trend or New Normal?

Franciscus Homes
The Gen-Flex Concept

The idea of sharing a large home with my siblings, their spouses and children has become more and more appealing to me lately. I love my privacy, but isn’t it possible that home builders are taking this into consideration and designing homes that give extended families privacy as well as large shared areas?

I visit my mother most Saturdays at an Assisted Living facility. It’s one of those  places where resident can live independently then transition to skilled care when needed.

My mother selected this facility herself more than 10 years ago. She made the decision about where she would live and how her affairs would be handled while she was of sound mind. For the last 10 years all has gone well. She lived in her independent apartment for many years, then 2 years ago transitioned to the assisted living floor in the same building. The next step is the skilled nursing floor.  The apartment she has now is a nice size, she is surrounded by pictures of her children, grandchildren, quilts, personal items and furniture. When she transitions to the skilled nursing floor, it will be a small shared room and bathroom with another resident. There would be no place for pictures, furniture or even chairs for company to visit in her room

The Gen Flex home can be entered from the outside as well as inside the home. The home is designed to provide several living options easily configurable by the owner.

I tried to imagine my last days in a room like that one. . . I could not.  My mom has 4 loving children who provide her with lots of well deserved attention. The place where my mother now lives is a very nice facility, however it’s not home . . and when its time for me to count down my last days on earth, if it is at all possible, I would want to be in a home. Unrealistic? Maybe. I don’t know.

I do know more and more people  are looking for options to age in place. If this is something  of interest to you check out the following links:

http://www.aarp.org/home-family/friends-family/info-04-2013/three-generations-household-american-family.html

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/04/09/multigenerational-homes-accessible-home-design_n_2926251.html

http://www.trulia.com/blog/kathryn_carlson/2013/06/making_multi_generational_housing_work

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2013/06/01/4078013/with-multigenerational-housing.html#.Up_knY3lWL8

All in the Family  http://togetheragainbook.com/

Under One Roof, Building for Extended Families – http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/30/us/building-homes-for-modern-multigenerational-families.html?_r=0

http://www.aging2.com/2013/04/multigenerational/

Franciscus Homes are shown above for more info visit

http://www.franciscushomes.com/about-us