2017 Runner Up: Home Suite Home: Older Adults with Developmental Disabilities and Seniors Age Together in Supportive Affordable Senior Housing

Submitted by: Amy Schectman and Rimma Zelfand, Jewish Community Housing for the Elderly and Jewish Family & Children’s Services

Individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities are living longer. The number of adults with ID/DD aged 60 and older is projected to nearly double between 2000 and 2030. There is need for affordable, supportive housing for this population, whose needs are rarely met by traditional housing for older adults. As a result, aging individuals with ID/DD often live with family members or in small group homes, and thus experience increased isolation as they age.

Jewish Family & Children’s Service (JF&CS) and Jewish Community Housing for the Elderly (JCHE) are working together to create a housing model that will enable individuals with lifelong developmental disabilities to age in communities where they are respected and positively engaged. The home of the project will be at JCHE’s new 57,400 square foot senior housing building scheduled to open in the fall of 2018. Residents will benefit from full access to JCHE’s on-site services, amenities, and programs, including a fitness center, computer center, art studio, library, performances, classes, and clubs. Residents with ID/DD will receive live-in support, case management and personal care from JF&CS.

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Compendium – Better Government Competition 2017 by Pioneer Institute on Scribd