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College Students Get Free Housing at Nursing Home in Exchange for Companionship
In a brilliant twist on student housing, a nursing home in the Netherlands has launched a program that allows college students to live rent-free in exchange for spending quality time with elderly residents. This innovative idea not only benefits the students but also combats the loneliness often experienced by seniors, and it’s one of those concepts that should be adopted everywhere, including the U.S.
The initiative began when a student named Max Vandermeer reached out to the Humanitas nursing home, finding his college accommodation too noisy and dilapidated. Now, students reside in cozy, rent-free apartments within the nursing home, committing to at least 30 hours a month of “good neighbor” activities. But what does that entail? Well, it includes everything from cheering on sports teams and celebrating birthdays to just sitting down for a chat or playing a game. These simple interactions are vital for reducing feelings of isolation among the elderly, as noted by Linda Molenaar, the director of the facility.
According to a 2012 report from the National Academy of Sciences, social connections are essential for our well-being, and loneliness can be detrimental to health, especially for older adults. The program currently includes six students and around 160 seniors, creating a delightful mix of youthful energy and seasoned wisdom. The only rule? Don’t disturb the neighbors, which seems fairly easy since many seniors have hearing challenges!
This arrangement is a win-win; students save on housing costs—averaging about $10,389 for room and board during the 2015-2016 academic year—while providing companionship to those who need it. Imagine trading time with a lovely grandma over a card game for thousands of dollars in rent! I would have jumped at the chance to participate in something like this back in my college days instead of juggling jobs and student loans. Interestingly, a similar initiative exists in Cleveland, Ohio, as mentioned by the International Association of Homes and Services for the Aging. Just think how transformative it would be if every college offered this option!
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In summary, the Dutch nursing home’s program cleverly blends the needs of college students and seniors, creating a supportive community that could serve as a model for others. Who wouldn’t want to swap student loans for some quality time with charming elderly neighbors?