Jack Long Foundation

BARB's STORY
"Our bodies get weaker, our strength ebbs and we cannot do such things as get our compression stockings on, or get the fitted bottom sheet on the bed, or get jars open etc. Some of us have mobility issues more than others, but during this time our mind is still active, we love to visit, we have fun laughing at ourselves, and we try all sorts of things, zumba, chair yoga, gentle exercises, art, board games, card games, Spanish lessons! All these things get us together with people.

Do these things make us tired? Yes Does it zap our energy? Yes Do we find it hard to keep up with housework? Yes Do we find it harder to make meals for ourselves? Yes Do we want to stop all of our activities to do these things? No

I dream of a place where we can have our privacy but still be able to congregate. We can have communal meals that we have all helped to make. There would be 24 hour help available, someone to call on, to help with little things. Home Care could still come to those who need it. We would all contribute to the daily running of this “house”. It would take the onus off each one of us and give us a sense of purpose and an opportunity to contribute, A sharing of experiences can lead to all kinds of opportunities...
There is a catch however. It would have to be affordable."

The Jack Long Foundation (JLF) is dedicated to creating affordable housing that is community based and focused on people not buildings. We are building a pilot called Elderhouse, a placewhere our elders can live with dignity and with supports.