Residences: Housing Options to Consider

Garden Suites

A garden suite is a pre-fabricated structure installed on a temporary basis in the backyard of an existing home owned by a senior’s family member. It allows an individual to live independently and remain close to family for mutual assistance. Check with your local municipality for building and zoning requirements.

Home Sharing

This is a living arrangement where unrelated people live in a single dwelling. This option can provide financial benefits, assistance with chores, as well as companionship and security.

When an older adult lives alone in a large home and has difficulty with chores, renting to a physically stronger person can help the older adult to stay in their home for a longer period of time. If help around the house is exchanged for lower rent, this arrangement can be beneficial for both parties.

Co-Housing

This is a relatively new option where a group of people get together to plan and develop their housing community.

Residents own their own housing unit but often share spaces such as dining and recreational facilities.

In this option, seniors maintain independent spaces and choose to live with friends and share interests and workloads. The planning stage also allows participants to express opinions regarding the design of the home.

(Information from Housing Options for Seniors in Halton: Halton Region’s Elderly Services Advisory Committee).

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