by Susan Cohn
Most of us cared for our grandparents in our homes and continue to care for our parents now that our children are grown. The benefits of aging with the family far outweighs the benefits of nursing homes, retirement communities and private home care. The concept of an intergenerational elder care center within the Polestar Community combines the village with the safety issues of caring for our independent elders.
The Polestar Intergenerational Wellness Center will initially house 8 elders in a two story 10K square foot building near the Community Center and Temple. Meals, laundry, ride-sharing, and 24-hour assistance will be available for non-ambulatory adults, 65 and older. The location near the Community Center and Temple will provide the elders with access to services and events held by the Polestar community. The Community Center, next door, will also provide Day-Care services for elders who do not live in the IGWC, but wish to “drop-in” for the day. Meals, assistance and services will be available for these elders on a daily basis as needed.
The Montessori pre-school will be operated within the elder structure, but separated by a glass window. This will allow separation of the two operations as required by licensing. The interaction of the elders with the children has the same requirements of all day-care for 3-6 year-olds and for elders under the care of non-family adults. Children will be allowed to interact with adults who have passed licensing requirements within their classroom or outside the elder facility. Interaction within the elder main room/s will not be available. Activities outside the elder area will be allowed with “cleared” adults, such as the gardens, community center, and courtyard. Elders who do not wish to interact with the children, may wish to watch them through the full-room glass window located in the main lobby.
If you have expertise and / or interest in the project, please contact Polestar for more information.
