Sarah’s Acres, to be located in Central Virginia, will be the first location using a new aging model for special needs families created by Peace of Mind Community LLC. Currently, housing options are limited, especially for those with high support needs.
As parent caregivers age, living at home becomes less feasible. How do we spend quality time with our child if we need to move into assisted living? We need an aging solution for all of us.
While there are many great efforts to house those with support needs, there are still people without options. With thousands of people on the waitlist for housing across the United States, we have an opportunity to make a difference.
Focus on the family
What if the entire model centered around the adult with support needs, including opportunities for quality time with family members? More than just a walk around the block or a shopping outing, but everything from an overnight visit to a summer-long stay? What if some housing was full-time for both the parents and their child, aging with support together?
Higher support levels
If you need one-on-one 24/7 care, your options are limited. Most live at home with their parents as caregivers or nursing care coming into the home. This model “works” for a while, but once the parents are also no longer able to live independently, the choices become limited to their child moving in with siblings, a foster family, or institutional care.
Dependable care
Even at home, care is not ideal. Aging parents plus poor caregiver quality and availability have many parents paralyzed in their lives, unable to give their adult child what they need and also unable to live their lives to their fullest.
Safety
Safety drives many parents’ fears for housing, especially for their female adult children.
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Sarah’s Acres was initially inspired by Sarah and her family. Sarah, now 24, was born with Pitt Hopkins syndrome, a rare neurological disorder that has left her unable to walk independently, speak, or use her hands. Sarah is also legally blind.
We dream about a world where all people with special needs and their caregivers have abundant options for living healthy, full lives amongst a supportive community. We plan to offer programs and respite anchored by special needs families living on the property, parents and their children aging together.
The whole membership decides collectively.
Generally seek agreement, but have backup methods when consensus isn’t reached.
Power and responsibility are shared relatively equally among members.
Members contribute a percentage of income to community funds.
Join fee: Yes
Regular fees: Yes
Labor: Encouraged or suggested
Common House, Garden(s), Greenhouse(s), Library, Workshop, Outbuilding(s), Swimming pond or pool, Large Scale Kitchen, Stage or Auditorium, Fire pit, Swingsets & play areas, Recreational vehicles, Gym or sports area, Internet
Connecting people and communities through an intentional online marketplace
A residential project: people live here as their primary home.
An institution, business, network, or project that isn’t a residence (e.g. a learning center, farm, or network with no one living there full-time).
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