Seniors and Disabilities: The National Fund for Autonomy Wants More Places in Shared Housing

"The French today are in favor of having a diversity of choices when they get older or when they are disabled," the board of the National Solidarity Fund for Autonomy (CNSA) said in a press release.

Some 280.000 elderly or disabled people currently live in "intermediate" or "shared" housing: independent living residences, senior service residences, inclusive or intergenerational housing, family accommodation, according to the CNSA.

Around 570.000 elderly people live in nursing homes (Ehpad) and 140.000 adults are accommodated in establishments for people with disabilities.

By 2030, an additional 150.000 elderly people with loss of autonomy are expected, and 500.000 by 2040.

However, keeping people who are losing their independence at home "will be made more difficult by the reduction in the number of carers and the shortage of home professionals," notes the CNSA in its opinion.

"Complementary to support for autonomy in the historic home and to reception in an establishment, intermediate housing constitutes an appropriate response to the need of people to live in a suitable environment, facilitating prevention, social ties and support," writes the CNSA.

In intermediate housing, "if you're not at home, you're at home, minus the insecurity and isolation," says Jean-René Lecerf, chairman of the CNSA board.

"The reduction of isolation and the quality of relationships with home care professionals will help extend life expectancy in good health, reduce overcrowding in emergency rooms, and avoid unnecessary and detrimental hospitalizations," the CNSA assures in its opinion.