Near Toulouse, these seniors live together in a shared house
Through Lucie Fraisse
Published on
It’s a yellow house with blue shutters, in the village ofAussonne (Haute-Garonne), near Toulouse. A large building of nearly 300 m² which, not long ago, served as a tourist lodge.
The premises were bought at the end of 2021 by Camille and Maximilien Courty. With the idea of making a shared house for autonomous seniors.
“We wanted to have a real estate project with a social component, explains Camilla. It had been in my head for a while. I saw my grandmother wasting away because of loneliness and lack of purpose, I wanted to offer a place that would prevent young people from finding themselves alone and thus prolong their autonomy. »
Rooms with bathroom
Six bedrooms with bathroom, two kitchens, a living room, a pretty outdoor courtyard and lots of charm. The first two tenants moved in at the end of December 2021. At 74, Didier discovered Lynette’s house – that’s the name of this shared house – thanks to his daughter. The former police officer, retired for more than 20 years, is very satisfied with the formula.
“I lived in a house with very steep and narrow stairs, I almost fell several times! I could still live there, but for how long? And then I was there alone and I like to chat with people, exchange ideas, learn things…”
Everyone lives independently
The arrival at the Maison de Lynette marked the end of the constraints for this dynamic retreat who admits to loving traveling and being a great ballroom dancing enthusiast. “I was the owner, I don’t want any more of that. They made me offers to live in a senior residence, I visited a T2 at the Sénioriales in Toulouse, but I don’t feel ready: I’m still in good shape! »
At the Maison de Lynette, the tenants live independently. Everyone has their own bedroom and bathroom, everyone prepares their meals, cooks their meals… . “If necessary, I can help tenants to request the services of a home helper or to set up meal delivery,” explains Camille Courty. I clean the common areas twice a week. I take care of it to promote understanding between the roommates: I know that it can sometimes be a source of tension! »
“The retirement home is not my age!
Located close to the village ofAussonne, the Maison de Lynette is almost next to the senior club and the rural home. A big plus for Renee, another tenant of the house, lover of walking, cycling and activities. The septuagenarian has long sought a place like the Maison de Lynette. “I had made a little card that said “looking for a roommate” that I distributed in the senior clubs around my home, Montech. It was finally my daughter who came across an ad on Le Bon coin. »
After a visit to the Maison de Lynette, Renée put her suitcases in her large bedroom. “I sold everything, with no regrets. It is not with the furniture and the dishes that we live. »
“The retirement home is not quite my age. Frankly, I happened to visit friends in a retirement home, it’s not good for morale. And then anyway I I don’t have enough money!”
610 euros per month
The tenants of the Maison de Lynette pay 610 euros per month, charges included. A far cry from the rates in effect in nursing homes that have made headlines in recent weeks. “But we’re not really addressing the same audience,” concedes Camille. Rather, we target fully autonomous young retirees. »
Pensioners in great shape who have found their happiness in the Maison de Lynette. “It makes my grandchildren laugh that I’m in a roommate,” smiles Didier. But for me it’s perfect! We can eat with the other tenants, we often go for walks together with Renée, we talk, we even argue a little and if we want to be alone, that’s not a problem either. ”
A house of happiness in a way. And in which there are still rooms available for tenants wishing to discover the joys of shared accommodation between seniors.
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