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Ashraya News

Ashraya is a new term for the social care world. It is derived from Sanskrit and shares the same root as the word Ashram. The intention is for the word ‘ashraya’ to be used to embody small initiatives where individuals create little havens for themselves and a handful of friends and acquaintances.

        It is new model of co-operation enabling individuals to make private arrangements to share homes, facilities and care. The concept will evolve and there is no limit to the forms ashraya can take. Some practical changes in laws and regulations may be needed, but for now let your imagination run free.

        Some suggestions:

• Shared meals ─ a bread machine and slow cooker make this easy, and to save the washing up each person brings their own plate and cutlery.

• Use the spare bedroom to give a newly bereaved widow or widower a few days company, or someone a few days non-nursing convalescence before they go back to their home, or refresh a carer with a meal and overnight stay.

• Have a monthly or weekly buddy group to share a hobby, learn a new skill, e.g. playing with a laptop. The main function of buddy groups though seems to be tea and chat.

• Work out new ways of communal living ─ the baby boomers could revive their student days.

• How about thinking how to share cars and transport. Perhaps the insurance industry would like to join in here as small changes to standard motor insurance policies could make a big difference.

• What about the garden? Share the produce in return for a family looking after it?

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