'Age in place' units a go

'Age in place' units a go Construction is expected to begin later this month on 32 affordable rental housing units in Lively in the first phase of development of a seniors' complex which will contain as many as 150 units when it is complete. Perry th, to highlight the fact investments are being made to ease the transition from hospital beds to community spots for the aging. While the need already exists for 150 units in Walden, Perry said his company would "like to walk before we run and get it right. "There's no reason why we can't do the same thing in Walden," he said. " The City of Greater Sudbury approved the project last fall after receiving a commitment of $4. Through perseverance, said Perry, "everybody has finally come to terms with what the overall end goal is. For instance, doorways will be wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs, which residents may need at a later point. He pointed to the success of Finlandia Village, a sprawling complex in Minnow Lake run by the Finnish Rest Home Society that includes anything from a long-term care residence to townhouses. They could have to fulfil other requirements to qualify for a supportive housing unit, where they will receive home and health care. 7 million in funding from the Affordable Housing for Ontario Program. Perry believes the need exists now for 150 units at the site -- anything from apartments in which seniors can live independently to long-term care spaces. , which operates 30 units for seniors, but identified a greater need, particularly for affordable housing. The idea to build the units came from Richard Bois and the Walden Non-Profit Housing Corp. Seniors who apply for a unit will need to pass a means test to qualify, said Perry. " The need for housing for seniors even five and 10 years from now is "shocking," said Perry. This is one model of delivery of affordable housing and care that could be replicated in other parts of the city and Ontario. "We've got this huge bulge in demographics," said Perry of Canada's aging population. " The North East Local Health Integration Network has identified Walden has and others as an area that need to be developed as a hub for seniors' housing and services. 'Age in place' units a go Trade News selected by Local Linkup on 11/03/2012