We were pleased to see PBC Today’s article on ‘Older people’s housing recommendations supported by the Housing and Ageing Alliance (HAA)’.
The Almshouse Association is on the working party and feeds into the work undertaken by the Alliance which unites individuals from local and national organisations with a shared goal: improving housing and living conditions for older people.
As part of HAA, The Almshouse Association applauds the work the Government are doing to support building more homes across the UK, setting ambitious and measurable objectives outlined in the Plan for Change: Milestones for Mission-Led Government (link).
It is crucial, however, to ensure these initiatives deliver tangible benefits for all members of society and, with the UK’s ageing population growing rapidly, its vital that action is taken immediately. Delays in implementing the Taskforce’s recommendations risk exacerbating pressures on health and social care systems. Such delays affect all family members, who are all too often providing additional support, with significant consequences for their own well-being and quality of life.
The taskforce’s report had four key aspects as recommendations:
“Think housing”
Most people desire to have their own homes for as long as possible. Physical and mental health do not always allow for this, and as these needs change, age-friendly housing can offer a better quality of life. This includes rightsizing to more appropriate housing for the individual or family and releasing underused rooms.
As such, more age-friendly housing will need to be constructed, and homes will need retrofitting to adapt to changing needs. The government has committed to this through increased funding for the ENABLE Build scheme in the recent £3bn support package.
“Address ageing”
While everyone ages, it can be difficult to see ourselves in this way, and making decisions for an aged future can be left until it is too late. The report states: “We tend to see senior citizens as a homogeneous group, despite today’s wide age span, and we need to recognise that growing diversity demands a range of housing options. A one-size-fits-all approach just will not work.”
“Promote wellbeing”
An approach that prioritises prevention is key, and so an environment that is already safe will prevent incidents or degradation that could see the elderly need a hospital, directly benefitting the health system by reducing the patient load as well.
“Create inclusive communities”
Incorporating the community in these processes can reduce feelings of isolation in the elderly, open up discussion of the other three messages, particularly “address ageing,” and enable people to look out for each other, stay active, and thrive in a local community with easy-to-access care and support.
We strongly advocate for the prompt enactment of the Taskforce’s comprehensive recommendations, many of which require minimal investment.
The full open letter can be read below.
posted 10 February 2025