Reside with me | Auckland News | Local News in Auckland

Auckland's housing market presents a challenge for single, elderly folk with limited means. The Selwyn Foundation hopes its latest idea will offer some relief, reports Sophie Bond.

Duncan Macdonald is all smiles today. Standing in the middle of a large, flat Birkenhead section, the chief executive of the Selwyn Foundation hopes it won't be empty for too much longer.

Last month, the Housing Ministry approved $500,000 for the foundation to build a family home - a large residence with shared facilities - for 10-12 single, elderly people here.

The Rev Macdonald says many of those folk may not have the money to buy into a retirement village so it is hoped this will provide a viable alternative.

"We need to make sure we care for those with little or no money. New Zealand has a huge problem with an ageing population - our 80-plus age-group will quadruple in the next 10 years.

"We're trying to work out models that are cost-effective for a growing, ageing population."

The Roseberry Ave land was donated to the foundation in 1989 to be used as housing for the elderly; 12 retirement cottages dot the site.

Mr Macdonald says new residents need to be independent and will be means-tested.

"It's more focused on single elderly, but it doesn't preclude couples. If it's successful we will expand and develop this across Auckland and potentially New Zealand."

The family home scheme is attractive to those living on a pension, he says. "We're also finding that where there is a marriage break-up, one partner - sadly it's often the woman - will end up with little left for their retirement.

"We see this fitting in with the daycare centres we have developed. We have 25 centres in Auckland and another eight starting this year.

"They are open one to five days a week, offering social activities, health and education and we work closely with the local GPs. Our hope is this will break down social isolation and slow the onset of dementia."

The project will cost $1.5 million and work will begin later this year, depending on council permission and agreement from other residents on site.

Age Concern North Shore's executive officer, Janferie Bryce-Chapman, strongly supports the project.

"There's a huge shortage of housing in Auckland and older people are often marginalised because of their lack of income. About 30 per cent are living on the pension alone, and low-cost entry housing is very much needed.

"It's close to $200,000 to get into a retirement village but I think more than that people worry about ongoing costs."

Single, elderly people are often lonely and she believes shared housing is a good solution.

"When a spouse dies, the house becomes too big for one person and they miss the companionship. This is almost going back to a flatting situation - they get companionship but there's room for them to they can retreat to their own room for privacy."sophie.bond@theaucklander.co.nz