The family village concept is a retirement/independent living lifestyle commune to enable ageing parents to retire with their adult special needs children either with disabilities or chronic health conditions.
Nearly all people with a disability can contribute something to the community either through paid work, volunteering or maintenance duties around the family village.
We have plans drawn for a block of land at Redcliffe  for 40 two bedroom units on 6 levels near the beach, bus, shops and medical facilities. This inaugural village is aimed at mild to moderately handicapped young ones. We envisage other such villages will be set up for those with more severe disabilities or young parents with degenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis where their spouses and children will also be accommodated.
Most importantly there would be a communal hall with kitchen facilities that can be divided by folding doors to give the younger ones their own space for music, Wii games, disco nights etc and their parents the space for bridge, tea parties, movie nights etc The whole space can be opened up for parties, concerts and so on.  BBQ s around the pool would be a popular get together.
An integral part of this concept is a cafe that can be run by the residents that is open to the public and a great way for their friends and family to always feel welcome to drop in for a coffee.
There is a heated pool which is ideal therapy for young and old. Also a gym where physiotherapists can work out individual programs.
The aim is to have a healthy, happy inclusive community so when parents die there will be an extended “family” to reach out for comfort and ongoing care.
The plan is to incorporate physio, occupational therapy, speech therapy, educational, nutrition, financial counselling, social, cooking and independent living skills.  This can be achieved through art and craft classes, theatre and drama groups, music and singing, role playing and relationship training.
The benefits will be physical, social, emotional and psychological security for both the older and younger generation with a strong emphasis on caring for each other.  The more the younger one are called on to contribute the greater their sense of purpose, self worth, achievement and pride.
Some of the things they can do are help with the gardening (a veggie patch), cleaning the pool and gym, setting up the hall for functions, cooking for the restaurant, shopping.  All residents would be encouraged to undertake some outside volunteer work if at all able.
As parents age and become more frail the younger ones can help them with meals, cleaning and shopping.
Ideally it would also be pet friendly as pets are very good emotional therapy for young and old.
The two bedroom units can have one wheelchair friendly two way bathroom or an ensuite. They all have balconies or courtyards.
There would be strict rules about unruly behaviour where everyone must respect the rights to peaceful enjoyment of living of each other.
A preliminary feasibility study has been done and there are several funding options to be considered.
As the parents of adult disabled children we urgently need to start setting up these complexes now.
We need expressions of interest from parents and groups who care for the disabled and those with chronic illness. We need to call a meeting and form an active committee to make this happen. Please contact us on [email protected]