Meeting the Needs of Older People

St Vincent’s Housing Association

Rachel O’Connor

Loretta Haslam

Why is meeting older person’s needs a national priority?

Demographics of an ageing population

• By 2025, more than a third of the UK’s population will be over 55

• Number of over 60s projected to increase by 7 million over next 25 years

• Most increase in population in over 85s - by 2034 total of 5% of UK will be over 85

Family Support

Health & Happiness

Companionship

Friendship & Communication

Key National Drivers

• Nationally only 2% of current housing stock meets older persons needs

• Differing needs, not always linked to age

• Social issues, isolation, health & wellbeing, dementia care needs

• Housing type not matching needs, under-occupancy

The local picture

Ribble Valley – local picture

• 2011 census figures show RV has a higher than average proportion of pensioners

• RV over 90yr population is expected to double by 2028• 763 sheltered units across the borough in rented sector • 510 residential care home beds • Limited extra care facilities – Plessington Court, partial

extra care • Average purchase price bungalow circa £230k

What kind of housing will meet our needs as we grow older?

Existing Provision• Own Home, adaptations to remain independent,

home support• Sheltered Housing • Extra Care Housing• Retirement Housing & Villages • Nursing Homes• Care Homes, Intermediate Care• Dementia Care Services• Hospital Care

What do people want as they get older?The National Housing federation report says that older people want a home that:• is accessible • is spacious and attractive • is safe and secure • is in an age-friendly environment • offers freedom, choice and flexibility • has help at hand • provides flexible, personalised support • lets you socialise and feel included • allows you to make decisions

Age Friendly Communities

• Developing Age Friendly Communities has become a key issue driving policies aimed at older people.

• The WHO definition of an age - friendly city that promotes active ageing is ‘an Inclusive and accessible urban environment that promotes active ageing’.

Housing our ageing population

HAPPI - Housing our ageing population

• HAPPI – Housing our ageing population: panel for innovation – launched 2009, updated 2012

• CASSH - Care and Support for Specialised Housing – funding from the Dept of Health and the HCA to provide specialist housing for older people and disabled adults

HAPPI – 10 Design Principles 1. Generous/ Flexible Space Standards 2. Natural light (inc circulation spaces) 3. Avoidance of internal corridors and single aspect dwellings for

light and ventilation4. ‘Care ready’ homes to accommodate emerging technologies 5. Circulation that avoids institutionalisation and encourages

interaction 6. Lively multi-purpose social spaces that link with the community 7. Engagement with the street 8. Energy efficient ‘green’ buildings 9. Adequate storage inside and outside home10. Shared external surfaces ‘Homezone’ design of outside spaces

with pedestrian priority

Case Study - Elker Lane, Billington HAPPI Scheme

Elker Lane, Billington• 19 x 2b3p apartments, 3 apartment types• 9 for shared ownership, 10 for affordable rent• Funding from the DOH & HCA via CASSH ph1• Planning Nov 2014, Completion 2016• Generous internal space standards - each apartment contains 2

bedrooms for extra flexibility • High quality design , adheres to HAPPI principles, CfSH level 3,

Secured by Design• A multi-purpose communal lounge and meeting room for residents• Shared garden and private courtyard for residents, allotments and

planting areas

Elker Lane, Billington

Elker Lane, Billington

Typical layout 2b3p apartment

• Floor areas between 66 – 75 sqm

• Lifetime Homes• Individual balconies• Flexibility and open plan

living • Lift to all floors• Dual aspect and open

air gallery access

Final Thoughts: Meeting future needs

• Releasing equity for the right home at the right price - opportunities for retirement market of all tenures

• Dealing with under-occupancy by incentivising and providing choice

• Age-friendly neighbourhoods and flexibly and adaptable housing to meet changing needs over time

• Future of S106s versus Starter Homes

Final thoughts: A SVHA perspectiveMeeting future needsWhat do we need to do to maintain the things that matter to our Customers and indeed strengthen them?

Our customers have told us that they value ‘Face to Face’ contact and a personal service, the peace of mind that help is on hand when needed. Trustworthy staff, community spirit, a safe and secure place to live and life long home

Our aim is to provide these whilst making our service sustainable.

In order to achieve a person centered approach to support, which offers value for money, a variety of flexible models of housing with degrees of support need to be explored

Whilst trying to improve the needs of the ‘older old’ we need to consider the ‘younger old’. The pre-conceptions of the 65+ group need to be considered and addressed

Further Reading• http://www.housinglin.org.uk/• http://www.housinglin.org.uk/Topics/browse/

HousingExtraCare/FundingExtraCareHousing/DHCapitalFundingProgramme/CASSHF2013-15/

• https://cfg.homesandcommunities.co.uk/ourwork/care-support-specialised-housing-fund

• https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/care-and-support-specialised-housing-fund-phase-2-prospectus

• http://www.savills.co.uk/research_articles/141280/193071-0