Older Adult Resident Opportunities
Our friends' housemate companions also include older adults (those over the age of 55) in need of affordable housing, but also in need of a community where they are welcomed with open arms. That's exactly what happens when they move into one of our Friendship Houses. Our older adult residents provide stability and consistency as well as an extra social support for our resident friends. In return, many older adults who were socially isolated before moving to Friendship House gain a community of friends where they can both give and receive help.
Check out this video about Older Adult Companions
Frequently Asked Questions
How much time Do Older Adults have to commit to the community?
Older adults are invited to spend time with our friends as much as they are able. At the bare minimum, we expect all residents to attend our weekly meal each week. Beyond that, older adults engage with their neighbors on their own schedule, doing things they may already do anyway: Going to a game, watching a movie, going to the grocery store, or spending time enjoying the sunshine. We hope that each older adult companion will dedicate 2 - 5 hours to inclusive connection each week beyond just the community dinner. Small, daily interactions can go a long way in making ALL residents feel supported and included.
What kind of housing is available for OLDER ADULTs?
We have older adult housing in our shared living homes. These shared living communities are larger houses in which each resident has their own bedroom, bathroom, and walk-in closet, but share a common kitchen/dining area, living room and laundry facilities. Monthly costs for an older adult range from $395 to $465, including rent, utilities, WiFi and residential fee.
Will I have privacy to BE ALONE and relax?
Yes, we are firm believers in boundaries and all members in the community (friends, students or older adults) are invited to be open and honest about their boundaries and need to have space.
who runs EACH FRIENDSHIP house?
The OPN resident directors help facilitate community and deal with disputes. We encourage all of the Older Adults to be involved with helping the resident directors form community. If you are interested in being considered for a resident director position, please let us know when you apply.
Can I bring a pet?
Unfortunately, our communities have a strict no pet policy. However, The Fair Housing Act considers Emotional Support Animals a part of the person, and thus the person and the animal are a package deal. If your doctor/therapist certifies that you need an ESA for a specific reason, then you can apply for a special accommodation. Our housing partner would have to determine the authenticity of the information, and if the information is directly from your health care professional, the housing partner will approve the Emotional Support Animal. Cats and dogs are the most common of the handful of ESA’s our residents have with the exception of Bindi the bearded dragon.
Waiting List for Older Adults (55+)
In addition to a minimum age of 55, Our Place Nashville requires all of our older adult residents must have a disability, as defined by the Fair Housing Act. Because our primary population served are younger adults with developmental disabilities, the older adult applicant’s disability must be one that is compatible for a housemate with a IDD (such as hard of hearing, recovering from stroke, diabetes) as opposed to one that would not be a good fit for such a shared living household. We encourage employment or a volunteer job, but it is not required. 60% of our current older adult population works.
There are several steps in our interview process:
The applicant must fill out an application and have an interview with Our Place Nashville–with our Executive Director and/or select other adult residents currently residing with us.
If the director feels the applicant is a good fit, the applicant must visit with FiftyForward for a social worker intake assessment.
To be financially eligible to live in one of the Our Place House communities, the applicant’s annual income must be below either 30% of the Area Median Income ($19,850) or 50% of the Area Median Income ($33,050). Financial eligibility is determined by our housing partner.
Please email your completed application to carolyn.naifeh@ourplacenashville.org or complete the online version below.