This can literally be a lifesaver when it works out. I have a friend who is now 92, fairly mobile and still gets out to church and other events. Some years ago her brother passed and left a widow with no place to go. The two SILs have been reasonably close for many years; the SIL has had some health issues and couldn't live alone. They have been living together in a small house owned by the older one, and it has saved their lives. It's been over ten years now; both of them are in better health than they would have been otherwise. They also have acquired a friend with a motor home that is usually parked in front of their house (they are in a neighborhood that allows it on an occasional basis) who is the son of a friend who passed several years ago, and who is somewhat disabled and not able to hold down a normal job. He helps with the yard and some of the cleaning and odd jobs around the place, and is a real godsend for them. None of the three of them could live alone, but together they are amazing.

Take a look at a roommate matching site specifically for 50+

I think we need to get even more creative about how we can keep seniors aging in the community. The Netherlands always has us beat on these topics and I love this idea as well: pbs.org/newshour/rundown/dutch-retirement-home-offers-rent-free-housing-students-one-condition/. We have many such retirement homes (the ones for folks on Medicaid) that are closing due to lack of residents. Not to mention the elders that I know who live there HATE the fact that they are so isolated from the rest of the community. After much lobbying, seniors have better choices for home care - they can get a nurse to visit, home health aide etc and all of this since it's cheaper for the state than paying for a nursing home.
People need companionship and that my friends is not a service you can easily get when you are old but boy does it have it's benefits!

I heard about this new trend of housemates. However, I've been unable to locate any resources in my area. I live in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago, and I'm serious about doing this. Any ideas on where I can look?

Sheri

Or not on this planet would be better.

hkreizinger, it could be worse... being homeless on the street. Bet many homeless people would be more than happy to accept a roommate such as yours. Just saying.

I am currently living in an independent living community - sort of being dumped here. since I am on Medicaid, I have to share a room. this has been pure torture, no privacy, listening to her "nebulizer" three times a day. when I came here, I was first to come to the room. I had my bed near the room and for the privacy I craved I pulled the curtains for what little space I do have. (70 inches x 66 inches). She pulled the curtains back twice and said she wanted the sun. recent days the sun has come in earlier and she now pulls the blinds down. I'm at such a loss. I've asked her about leaving the blinds up and she just says it hurts her eyes.

also, since she has a various number of illnesses, I'm afraid I'm going to find her dead. Oh and she runs the stupid oxygen machine at night with ever 10 seconds a beep goes off. Not a good way to sleep.

I would suggest anyone who has a mother/father/sister/child, please make sure you have enough of money so you don't have to go through this. since I'm on Medicaid, can't have a private room. and unless you have your own room, you can have a dog. I can't.

Just say I've had the worst 9 or so months in my life here. get the insurance or whatever to keep from having a roommate and all that goes with it.

Thanks

I'm so glad to see this. I have had discussions with friends about this very living arrangement. For early seniors who are in good health, don't have a partner in their life, and desire the companionship and support that comes with sharing a household, it's a wonderful solution.

I think the show "The Golden Girls" was ahead of its time. The idea of sharing households is a discussion I have had with more than a few of my friends. Although still married (my husband is 16 years older than me), I have a few who are already on their own. I think we will see this happening a lot more as people seek emotional and financial support.

Well written and I'm so glad it's working out for you both! You touched on an extremely important subject of people-helping-people! We're living in a society that needs to accept that it takes people to share room and board (like it used to be), not only for monetary reasons but for quality of life. It's healthy for everyone around. A win-win situation. Congratulations! Enjoy Life!

I LOVE this idea! Congratulations on taking this leap...and it's fabulous that it is working out for you.