FRONT PORCH MULTIGENERATIONAL HOMES
College students and seniors living together in a new type of multi generational community.
By Adam Landres | March 19, 2010
Multi-generational households were the norm at one time, but today, families are spread out. Adult children move out, parents work and grandparents retire in an age-restricted community. As practical as that may seem, it does not need to be the only option.
Through a unique program at a local retirement community, university students are living among seniors. The result: everyone benefits.
Kingsley Manor, a Front Porch community located in Hollywood, offers a program called Students in Residence, where gerontology graduate students from USC or UCLA live at the community in exchange for volunteer time. Kingsley manor is one of two retirement communities in the country to offer such a program.
This unique program brings generations back together. The students enjoy helping the residents, getting to know them, having dinner with them. The residents are enthralled with students� energy and zeal.
Students choose what they offer the community. For instance, some students share the latest trends in technology � residents are now on Facebook and posting pictures of their grandchildren on Flickr � or lead activities such as origami, hula dancing and computer training.
The program is working so well that the director will be rolling it out in other Front Porch communities.
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