This Friday, the Nantes city council voted to double the number of “blue housing”, these social housing units adapted to allow people over 65 to stay at home as long as possible. There are currently a thousand, the goal is to increase to 2,000 by 2026 and that all social landlords can offer them.
In addition to the technical aspects, tenants can ask to have housekeeping or meal delivery at home, for example, and they are regularly contacted to find out if they need anything. This follow-up is provided by the Clic, the local information and coordination center for pensioners and the elderly.
It is an apartment that I appreciate very much
Among the thousand or so existing dwellings, 900 belong to Nantes Métropole Habitatlike that of Madeleine. “I can say that it’s the place that suits me best since I’ve been at Les Dervaillières”says the lady of “almost 89 years, 60 of which spent in the neighborhood”. A small T3 on the fourth floor, with a lift of course! “It is a very clear apartment, so I appreciate it very much”underlines the retiree.
She also enjoys the electric roller shutters, she who was struggling with her shutters in her old home. The taken at half height also, who avoids him “to hurt oneself by stooping”raised toilets, “easier to get up”and the shower, without stepswith two small hinged doors and a grab bar, “because it’s important to be able to stand”.
– Marion Fersing
Staying at home is still the best solution
So many developments that should allow Madeleine to stay at home as long as possible. “Stay at home is still the best solution. To keep a little bit of personal responsibility, to continue to direct your life, to have the freedom to meet whoever you want, to eat what you want. There is the notion, I believe, of independence and freedom which is allowed by staying at home. It even facilitates the extension of life.”
A person over the age of 65 in a third of the 25,000 housing units of NMH
Home support for the elderly is an issue that is also taken very seriously by Nantes Métropole Habitat. “Today, it is estimated that a third of our 25,000 homes have at least one occupant over the age of 65”explains Franck Albert, the communications director. “And we know that it will increase over time. “The logic is therefore to find solutions in terms of facilities and services to be able to support this dynamic there”. Nantes Métropole Habitat will therefore adapt 500 additional blue accommodations.
At the service levelif we go back with Madeleine, it may be to have access to the activities and services of the Ehpad just in front of her building, such as the hairdresser or the restaurant. “Besides, they have a wonderful cook!” she slips into a smile. She is therefore eager for the Covid-19 to calm down in order to have the right to return there.