Emile Benoit House

Congregate Housing is known as a non-institutional, residential, shared living environment. It is a combination of private apartments and group living. Congregate Housing integrates the shelter and services needed by individuals who have an impairment and/or are socially isolated; yet do not require the constant supervision or intensive health care services provided in an institution.

A Congregate Housing Coordinator is on staff to assess the care needs of each tenant and draw up an individualized service plan to meet their requirements.

The Congregate Housing Coordinator will assist tenants in locating appropriate community based services if they are unable to do so themselves. Such services may include, but are not limited to: - homemaker, home health, personal care and transportation services (a minimal fee may be charged for these services depending on the individual’s income). These supportive services will only be provided on an “as need basis” and should enable tenants to extend their self- sufficiency in managing activities of daily living and thereby promote independence.

Objectives

• To assist tenants to live as independently as possible while enhancing their quality of life, and preventing unwarranted institutionalization.
• To maintain the rights of the tenants to direct their own lives.
• To facilitate companionship and a sense of community amongst tenants.
• To facilitate supportive services as needed.
• To provide affordable housing comparable to other social housing projects.

Who Can Apply?

• The minimum age requirement is 65; however, individuals between 50 and 64 will be considered where significant extenuating circumstances exist.
• Persons must be able to function independently with the supportive services that are available in the community.
• Persons must be willing and able to share common areas with 20 other individuals.

Application Process

A tour of the facility is strongly encouraged. During this initial visit, a short application form can be completed. A Public Health Nurse is then contacted to complete a brief assessment and a medical must be completed by the applicant’s family doctor. The Congregate Housing Coordinator will then visit the applicant’s home to complete a more extensive assessment. All of these documents will then be reviewed by an assessment team who will determine whether or not the applicant is an appropriate candidate for Emile Benoit House.

Cost to the Tenants

• Shelter – Rent for qualified tenants under NLHC guidelines will be between 25-30% of the tenant’s monthly income.
• Utilities – Tenants will pay $20 per month for utilities.
• Laundry – Tenants will pay $10 per month for the use of washers and dryers.
• Meals – A component of the Congregate Housing Program is to provide one meal per day in the common dining room. The tenants will pay $100 per month to cover all expenses for this service. tenants are responsible for all other meals.

Physical Space

There are 20 “bachelor” type apartments, 18 of which are single units, two double units (one which is wheelchair accessible). The design of the Congregate creates a living environment which stresses the concept of sharing. This includes the tenants sharing common kitchen, dining room, living room, lounge, bathing and laundry facilities.

While congregate housing can be viewed as a vehicle to reduce isolation through the provision of shared physical space, the need for privacy and personal territory is not overlooked. Each apartment contains a private bedroom/sitting room, kitchenette, half bathroom (toilet and sink) and storage room. Private showers are available in some apartments.

Philosophy

It is our belief that:

• Every person has the right to live in an environment which promotes personal independence, self-reliance, freedom of choice, and respect for each person’s individuality and beliefs.
• The promotion of healthy lifestyles will enhance quality of living and prevent inappropriate admissions to health care facilities.
• Each aged individual has the same diverse physical, psychosocial, spiritual and economic needs that exist at any other stage of the life cycle.
• Each person is unique and must have self-worth, self-esteem and dignity maintained.

Any inquiries for this service can be answered by contacting the:

Congregate Housing Coordinator
Emile Benoit House
P. O. Box 950
Stephenville Crossing, Nl A0N 2C0
Tel: (709) 646-3246
Fax: (709) 646-2375