Contributor - Christine Dorsey - Waitaki Neighbourhood Support Coordinator on Fire Safety

While out and about in my Neighbourhood Support role with Fire and Emergency checking smoke alarms, I have the privilege of seeing different household formations.

The other week, I found a family who had made a very positive change. An older couple was living in a house that was no longer suitable for them, so their daughter and her husband suggested they combine two houses and purchase a new place together.

A bigger house with a flat section and two separate living areas was the result.

I was in awe of the decision that had been made here. For this extended family, it is positive on every level.

• Costs are significantly reduced for everyone. For example, there is only one insurance account, one internet bill and electricity is shared.
• Work is lessened. The housework shared and, in this case, one stay at home person cooked the evening meal, so those working did not have to do this at the end of the day.
• Everyone is contributing and feeling valued.
• Care and support is on hand if anyone requires it.

If there are children, the benefits are even greater, as there is always someone at home, and research shows that children with grandparents actively involved in their lives are more successful.

Of course, there is one sticking point. How does everyone get along?

This model will not work for everyone, but it might be something New Zealanders need to look at, as costs continue to rise and the shortage of rest home beds and carers accelerates.

Perhaps, if we cannot see this working with family, maybe it would work with friends for example, a purpose-built home could be where three to four couples live together, sharing expenses and looking after each other, as required.

Everyone needs to be proactive about catering for their own future. Innovative thinking may well be required.

This model is not new - other ethnicities do so well caring for all members of the extended family.

In some cultures, parents always stay with their children, where they are cared for in their old age. Rest homes are not generally available or used, as there is no need for them. This cultural practice is one to be admired.

So, maybe the makeup of our neighbourhoods in New Zealand will start to change in the future. Households might be combined to meet the needs of older people, childcare or to lower the

household costs. It may be by choice or out of necessity.

Only time will tell.