Community for seniors, people with disabilities, families eyes Folsom

Real estate company AKT Investments and UC Davis Health are partnering to create the "first of its kind" community for older adults and people with disabilities in Sacramento and El Dorado, according to a press release. The 200-acre community, named "Community for Health and Independence," has a focus in helping people "age in place and lead longer, healthier lives," according to the release. The complex in the community, called the the UC Davis teaching, research and health complex, will be the centerpiece of the community. The complex will also include a center for studying healthy aging and collaborations with other educational and health institutions, community educational gatherings and on-site healthcare facilities. In addition to the complex, the community plans to have multi-generational housing for families of all ages and income levels, and technology-enabled homes for seniors and people with disabilities. "Technology-enabled homes are designed to care for people's needs, allowing older adults and people with disabilities to live longer, healthier and safer lives in their own homes," according to the release. The community will also have open spaces, trails, parks, schools and other amenities to encourage a sense of community. The concept was inspired by the UC Davis Health study, "Planning Healthy Aging Communities." According to the study, the 55+ population in California is projected to increase from 28 percent, or 11.3 million residents, in 2021 to 35 percent, or 15.4 million residents, in 2050. "Although 80% of older adults want to remain independent in their own homes as they age, increasing rates of age-related chronic disease and disability create barriers to achieving this," said the study. "The growing population of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities is aging as well. When taken in context with the existing housing shortage in California, there is a compelling need for innovative, inclusive communities purposefully designed to support health and independence throughout the life span." "The vast majority of older adults want to age in place – they want to remain in their homes, near family and caregivers," said AKT spokesperson Bill Romanelli. "We need to plan for that now, or risk failing the fastest-growing segment of our population." To achieve these plans, UC Davis Health CEO David Lubarsky said the "key to healthy aging for people starts in their homes. We believe a reimagined community that leverages technology for human-made spaces where people live, recreate and work will promote better management of chronic disease and increase independence for valuable members of this population." A project application will be presented to the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors and the Folsom City Council to begin studies consistent with the California Environmental Quality Act, including traffic, water, infrastructure, environment and more. According to the press release, the project has no significant risks from wildfires, flooding, earthquakes and does not affect prime farmland in the region. The proposed land use plan consists of about 1,400 acres and 4,000 housing units for Folsom and about 1,400 acres and 4,000 housing units in El Dorado County. The plan also includes the complex. The project continues a "tradition of collaboration" between AKT and UC Davis Health, which began with the founding of UC Davis MIND Institute in 1998. The UC Davis MIND Institute performs studies primarily focused on children with neurodevelopmental challenges, such as autism, and promotes "equal access to high quality health care and education for all members of our community," according to their website. More information about the project can be viewed on YouTube at youtube.com/watch?v=eqsv8qjSsI4.