Northwest Suburban Chicago municipalities collaborate to meet future senior housing needs
- Retained by 5 northwest Chicago suburbs and the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus of Chicago
- Analyzed existing housing and programs, and the need for additional senior housing
- Communities created a senior handyman program and prepared a directory of senior housing and services
Requirement
VSKA was approached by a group of 5 northwest Chicago suburbs and the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus of Chicago. They asked us to prepare a market assessment analyzing existing senior housing in the municipalities as well as to identify programs that enable seniors to age in place. In addition, we identified what additional types of senior housing are needed.
Approach
Our study focused on the demand for new affordable and market-rate housing units, breaking them down into type – independent living, assisted living, and memory care. We also looked at service duplication and gaps.
In addition, we recommended ways the municipalities could work together to meet future senior housing needs.
Results
The communities launched a senior handyman program to assist with maintenance issues. They also used the information we provided to prepare a directory of senior housing and services.
“Valerie Kretchmer and her team provided a valuable assessment of senior housing needs across 5 northwest suburban communities. The recommendations from that plan laid the foundation for future collaborative work across the 5 communities to develop innovative strategies for residents to age in place, including launching a senior home repair program and widely-used service resource guide. The data analysis, research, and interviews with key stakeholders conducted by VSKA were invaluable in helping these communities understand the needs of their senior residents and develop new programs and services.” ~ Allison Milld Clements, former Director, Metropolitan Mayors Caucus