Community
The dedication of the individual to the cooperative creates a community vibrant enough to fulfill financial, physical, and social needs.
Ownership
Members collectively own all aspects of the cooperative and run it in their own best interests, both as a community and as individuals.
Caring
The underlying basis for senior housing cooperatives should be an ethic of caring, which puts the well-being of the members above all considerations.
Education
Every member and everyone involved in the development and marketing of the cooperative should know cooperatives and be committed to what they do and how.
Communication
Successful cooperatives have strong communication. It is both a structure and process that is consistently cultivated.
Fair
Cooperatives must be fair and transparent. It is up to the members and managers to maintain this ethic and develop it further.
Shared Responsibilities, Especially Financially
A financial structure enhances community and stability by all members having a comparable interest in the well-being
of the cooperative and working together to ensure it.
Participation and Involvement
Senior cooperatives rely on involvement by members. Strong boards facilitate participation.
Good Design
Cooperatives facilitate community through barrier-free design and an abundance of common areas.
People First
Meeting the varied needs of members allows for true responsiveness to the individual.
Dedication
Cooperation needs to be cultivated and nurtured over time, and that requires patience, energy, and understanding. The returns are invaluable.
Empowerment
Members have diverse and extensive expertise in many areas. The cooperative thrives on cultivating and using this wealth of knowledge.
