. . .according to today's Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Shelter is one of the basic human needs. Under a roof and within four walls, we eat, stay warm, make love, sleep, and pursue the work and pleasure of a life.
That's how the Milwaukee Aging Consortium got involved in senior housing. With members ranging from caregivers and case managers to builders and durable equipment suppliers to longterm care providers and financial planners, it seemed that we were in a special place to bring together all the experts on aging people.
Because it's not just about square footage and granite countertops. It's about mobility; spiritual, physical, and mental health; and above all, community. How we meet those needs has universal elements, but the details change as we grow older.
The conversation started at the Expanding Senior Housing Options Summit and continues with the Senior Housing Ideas Competition. We are going to keep it going, and not just the conversation. We want to find some way to meet Mike Soika's challenge to "build something in 18 months." We don't know what "it" will be, but we want your help in deciding--and making it happen!
Rocky Marcoux, Commissioner of the Department of City Develpment challenged us to get involved in neighborhood, city, suburban, and regional planning. Starting points: Connecting Caring Communities and the Milwaukee Department of City Development (check the comprehensive planning section).
We focused on Milwaukee, but this is a regional and national issue. Suburbs look like especially difficult places to age in community, and the notions urban centers form will influence innovations outside the cities.
Tomorrow, I'll start adding links to general and specific information about senior housing needs. Please weigh in with your own ideas and resources!
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