The “Za Falochronem” Housing Co-Operative’s Building Complex in Gdynia (1967–1989). Situation in which it was created, scope of care, social impact

The article familiarises its readers with the circumstances in which the housing co-operative aimed for with rheumatic diseases was established, the course of the investment’s completion in Gdynia – a housing building with medicinal and rehabilitation functions – as well as the years-long functioning of the complex which was so important to the Tricity (Gdańsk, Gdynia and Sopot). In mid-1960s Doctor Jadwiga Titz-Kosko, one of the pioneers of Polish rheumatology, began gathering a group of the people involved in helping implement the idea of small flats for people with special needs – lonely and often elderly ones with diseases. In the face of difficult housing and economic situation in Poland of that time, the people had limited opportunities to get a place, medical help or care and, at the same time, remain independent and as self-sufficient as possible. The co-operative was established in 1967 and in 6 years it constructed a facility with small (15m2) flats with bathrooms, large shared parts including kitchen and dining room, practical facilitations as well as round-the-clock medical care and help in everyday activities. The offer was complemented with a wing with a rehabilitation department, a small hospital for bedridden patients and a supported employment enterprise which allowed the inhabitants to learn a new type of work and earn extra money. The third building was a swimming pool with a necessary support area.

The facility and the mode of its functioning required co-operation of welfare services, healthcare system and various levels of administration. It was the first solution of this type in Poland and, according to what was said at that time, in Europe. The innovative character of the idea is also a result of a different attitude to people with diseases and the elderly who are now treated as subjects, with respect to their right to spend their autumn years as they like. Contrary to original plans and a large interest in the idea in Poland and abroad (especially in Central Europe and Scandinavia), the economic situation in the 1970s and 1980s shortage of funds and ill-adjusted regulations did not allow to turn the Co-operative and the housing building it had designed into a model project. What is more, before 1989, construction of similar facilities began in the Tricity and they were also copied upcountry. Significantly, the “Za Falochronem” building also had impact on the perspective on the elderly and people with diseases or their needs. It was visible not just in Gdynia and the Tricity but also in the rest of Poland as it became a part of a nationwide debate on cooperatives and old age.

The article familiarises its readers with the circumstances in which the housing co-operative aimed for with rheumatic diseases was established, the course of the investment’s completion in Gdynia – a housing building with medicinal and rehabilitation functions – as well as the years-long functioning of the complex which was so important to the Tricity (Gdańsk, Gdynia and Sopot). In mid-1960s Doctor Jadwiga Titz-Kosko, one of the pioneers of Polish rheumatology, began gathering a group of the people involved in helping implement the idea of small flats for people with special needs – lonely and often elderly ones with diseases. In the face of difficult housing and economic situation in Poland of that time, the people had limited opportunities to get a place, medical help or care and, at the same time, remain independent and as self-sufficient as possible. The co-operative was established in 1967 and in 6 years it constructed a facility with small (15m2) flats with bathrooms, large shared parts including kitchen and dining room, practical facilitations as well as round-the-clock medical care and help in everyday activities. The offer was complemented with a wing with a rehabilitation department, a small hospital for bedridden patients and a supported employment enterprise which allowed the inhabitants to learn a new type of work and earn extra money. The third building was a swimming pool with a necessary support area.

The facility and the mode of its functioning required co-operation of welfare services, healthcare system and various levels of administration. It was the first solution of this type in Poland and, according to what was said at that time, in Europe. The innovative character of the idea is also a result of a different attitude to people with diseases and the elderly who are now treated as subjects, with respect to their right to spend their autumn years as they like. Contrary to original plans and a large interest in the idea in Poland and abroad (especially in Central Europe and Scandinavia), the economic situation in the 1970s and 1980s shortage of funds and ill-adjusted regulations did not allow to turn the Co-operative and the housing building it had designed into a model project. What is more, before 1989, construction of similar facilities began in the Tricity and they were also copied upcountry. Significantly, the “Za Falochronem” building also had impact on the perspective on the elderly and people with diseases or their needs. It was visible not just in Gdynia and the Tricity but also in the rest of Poland as it became a part of a nationwide debate on cooperatives and old age.