Senior cohousing in Spain. Changes from the Social Economy in accommodation and in economy of care for older people

ABSTRACT

The advancement of senior cohousing is a push towards the modernization of housing and care for older people, and a challenge for present nursing homes. Cohousing has several years of experience in other European countries, and it is an attractive way of living for older people and/or families who want company and to share tasks. This article analyzes the growth of cohousing for older people in Spain from Third Sector, its barriers, and political impulses, and compares it with the experience in Sweden. Its functioning in Spain is incipient, and the Social Economy plays a key role. There are few consolidated initiatives, and quite a few underway, but the progress is slow due to numerous administrative and financial obstacles. The Covid-19 pandemic has raised the demand for these accommodations and care alternative because they promote and facilitate social contacts, some of the the risks of nursing homes, and comply with sustainable development objectives (SDG). Both Spain and Sweden have a variety of co-housing types, with a big role for cooperatives, but in Sweden they are primarily seen as a type of housing, where older people share fewer activities and maintain their privacy. Recently, there is greater political interest in cohousing. The recovery plans of the Spanish government and some regulations of the Autonomous Communities and City Councils incorporate specific strategies on housing, for the Third Sector, and the care of older people (SAAD) that affects senior cohousing.