“This is the culmination of the municipality's desire to provide a response for elderly people in an area that, until now, has been lacking such solutions,” explains Alban Lachiver.
In Saint-Seurin-sur-Cadourne, a complex of 2 buildings has been established, accommodating 8 to 12 residents, divided into T1 or T1 bis apartments. However, the uniqueness of these habitats lies in the fact that alongside these individual units, a shared space is planned, allowing residents to foster a collective life, a sense of community, to combat isolation and delay the loss of autonomy as much as possible.
In a global context of an aging population, there is an increasingly marked desire among elderly individuals to remain in their homes. Inclusive housing provides them with this opportunity, while also benefiting from social connections and a collective project, thoughtfully designed and implemented by the residents themselves.
"Inclusive housing is common law housing. Even as a person ages, even if they lose some of their autonomy, they will still be able to exercise their rights, make choices, express their will to act, and even their will to refuse certain things,” explains Alban Lachiver.
Moreover, inclusive housing can also address financial issues, providing affordable living spaces, especially considering how costly some solutions can be for families.
In Saint-Seurin-de-Cadourne, the project was developed in partnership with a social landlord, which offers controlled rents, around €250 to €300 per month.
Today, there are 62 inclusive housing projects that exist or are set to exist in the Gironde department, which will allow a total of 400 residents, including 130 elderly individuals, to find housing. A significant portion of these inclusive habitats is aimed at individuals with disabilities, to meet specific accommodation needs.
“Nine new projects were launched in 2024, but we hope there will be more soon,” concludes Alban Lachiver.
