Elder-Cottage Housing: A Housing Alternative for the Older Population

Abstract

The objectives of this research were to quantify the extent of both general and personal acceptance of elder cottage housing (ECHO) units and to identify profiles of persons who most readily accept them. The study population included University of Nevada-Reno employees 40 years of age and older. Questionnaires were returned by 598 employees, a 75 percent response rate. Eighty percent of respondents found elder cottage housing generally acceptable. Over 65 percent approved of ECHO units in their neighborhood, but only 42 percent wanted to live in one. Females were more apt than males to find ECHO units acceptable, especially females in fair health. Increased public recognition that elders and their care-giving families need a variety of housing options may result in ECHO units becoming more common. With this general acceptance for ECHO housing, builders and home buyers should anticipate approval of special use permits which do not endanger current zoning regulations.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Patricia A. Tripple

Patricia A Tripple and Barbara A Gunn are Professors in the School of Home Economics at the University of Nevada-Reno.

Marjorie B. Keiser

Marjorie B Keiser is a Professor Emeritus at Montana State University.

Nancy Chun Oppy

Nancy Chun Oppy is a graduate research assistant in the School of Home Economics at the University of Nevada-Reno.

Barbara A. Gunn

Patricia A Tripple and Barbara A Gunn are Professors in the School of Home Economics at the University of Nevada-Reno.