New Kind of Senior Housing To Be Built In Rural Champaign County

The village of St. Joseph looks to become the first U-S community to build a different kind of home for the elderly.

Abbeyfield House is a non-profit facility that began in England in the 1950's, and now has more than 700 locations in 16 countries. The goal of the Abbeyfield Society is keeping relatively healthy seniors near their current home, but adds the benefits of living with others.

A groundbreaking ceremony was held Sunday in St. Joseph, where organizers expect to move about 12 residents by the end of the year. Mary Butzow is the President of Abbeyfield Society USA. She began researching the overseas homes when seeking out a new place for her mother to live. "And too many seniors, particularly if they lost their house or their life partner, are isolated in their house,' said Butzow. "Their kids may not live around here. People drop in and out, but there are hours and hours at a time when they're alone. This way, they have 11 other people their same age who are going to be living within 10 feet of them. Research has shown that seniors stay healthier longer when they have good, nutritious meals and somebody to visit with."

The village of St. Joseph approved construction of Abbeyfield House last year. The home is being paid for by those who have bought apartments in the 13,000 square foot home, and will take most of it with them when leaving the home. Seven seniors already have memberships, ranging in age from 60 to 90. Butzow says Abbeyfield House differs from a nursing home, having no medical staff on hand, with only an on-site manager to prepare 2 meals a day . She says cities in Minnesota and Indiana have shown an interest in starting up their own house, but adds a few Central Illinois towns hope to generate enough interest for an Abbeyfield House of their own.