Insights from a recent Colivers Club discussion – and an invitation to join us
Life in a shared home is usually all about connection, but what happens when someone comes down with a bug? In a thread kicked off by a community facilitator earlier this month, members of Colivers Club swapped stories and advice on handling illness in coliving—especially in a post-COVID world. Here are the key take-aways, anonymised and distilled into an easy-to-share article.
Why the Topic Matters
The facilitator opened with a light pun—hoping we might “MAY-be” avoid getting sick—but underscored a serious reality: new foods, long-haul flights, and tight-knit living quarters can all lead to unexpected bouts of illness. The prompt asked:
- Operators: What protocols do you follow when residents fall ill?
- Colivers: How do you personally cope with being sick away from “home”?
Perspectives From the Community
| Role | What They Shared | Practical Nugget |
|---|---|---|
| A coliver currently under the weather | “I’m battling a cold right now. I’m mostly staying in my room—thankfully it’s set up well for remote work—so I don’t spread it around.” | Designate a comfy isolation zone. A well-equipped bedroom lets sick residents rest and work without mingling. |
| A community manager | “When I catch a cold, I still show up for essential events—like the weekly family dinner—but skip the social outings afterward. Self-care first.” | Balance presence and prudence. Attend only high-value gatherings, then retreat to recover. |
| Another community manager recalling a tougher case | “Two years ago both CMs caught COVID simultaneously. We distributed tests, quarantined, and drafted a teammate to run the house and even cook for us.” | Have a backup crew. Redundancy in staffing keeps operations running when key people are down. |
| A coliving operator reflecting on policy | “We learned the hard way that every location needs at least two on-site team members at all times.” | Build resilience into the roster. Dual coverage prevents service gaps and supports sick staff. |
Five Actionable Tips the Community Agrees On
- Clear Protocols Beat Ad-Hoc Decisions
Post easy-to-follow guidelines for testing, masking, and isolation right where residents will see them. - Create “Sick-Friendly” Spaces
Equip rooms with reliable Wi-Fi, desks, and maybe a kettle so ill residents aren’t forced into common areas. - Stock Basic Medical Supplies
Thermometers, fever reducers, and rapid tests should be as standard as toilet paper in a coliving pantry. - Leverage the Power of Community
Healthy residents often want to help—coordinate meal drop-offs or grocery runs via group chats. - Maintain Redundant Staffing
Whether it’s an on-call contractor or a neighboring host, always have a Plan B for critical roles.
The Bottom Line
Illness is inevitable, but chaos is optional. By blending thoughtful policies with a culture of mutual support, coliving communities can keep everyone safe, comfortable, and—most importantly—connected, even when the sniffles strike.
Ready to swap more stories, trade best practices, or just meet like-minded colivers?
Join the conversation at ColiversClub.com and be part of a global community that turns shared living into shared learning.
