Bruce Moore, Chief Executive at housing with care provider Housing 21, explores the need for a coordinated strategy to provide affordable, quality housing with care for an ageing population.
Providing appropriate housing for older people isn’t just a housing issue; it is fundamental to the sustainability of the social care and health systems.
It has been recognised that adaptable, safe and sociable environments with access to on-site care or support where needed, like those found in retirement communities, can reduce the need for hospital and local authority-led social care for older people.
With an ageing population driving an ever-growing demand for housing with care, the sector faces a critical challenge – how do we ensure that everyone has access to the suitable and affordable housing they need to live well in later life?
In order to meet this challenge head-on, we need a national strategy for older people’s housing. A national strategy that prioritises people living independently, in quality, affordable housing suited to their needs, for as long as possible; that combats isolation, promotes inclusivity and supports ethical care practices.
We need a coordinated effort across the housing, care and health sectors in order to address the known and growing need to think and act holistically and strategically to address the needs and consequences of an ageing population.
Working in partnership to expand access to housing and care
Only by working in partnership with local housing and social care authorities, and with the support of government funding, has Housing 21 been able to continue to maintain and grow our provision of high-quality housing and care for those who need it most.
Regrettably, the reality is that there is simply not enough high-quality housing with care and too much of the provision is financially out of reach for those who need it. It is essential that the significance of housing to health and wellbeing is recognised and funding made available to enable local authorities to support provision of these services alongside or as a part of the review of social care.
Even though the financial pressures facing housing and care providers are clear, we must resist the temptation to compromise quality by cutting costs and reducing standards. Keeping the delivery of quality services at the heart of decision making is essential, even when budgets are tight. Residents deserve housing as well as care and support that prioritises their health, wellbeing and quality of life above all else.
Tackling isolation
Providing housing has a far wider impact and benefit than simply the accommodation – it is about creating communities where people can thrive. Isolation and loneliness can have a negative effect on the health and wellbeing of older people and living in an appropriate housing setting can go a long way to help address these issues.
At Housing 21, we’ve seen first-hand how providing high quality Retirement Living and Extra Care housing can create strong communities, transform lives, and improve both physical and mental wellbeing. There is also a wider social value, where the impact of both organisational and resident activities can benefit whole communities, through fundraising activities, residents and employees volunteering in their local neighbourhoods and making the most use of local contractors to proactively build community partnerships.
Need for a strategy
A national strategy for older people’s housing is needed to provide the framework and resources required for providers of housing, care and support for older people to navigate the many challenges they face. The housing with care sector stands at a pivotal point and the choices we make today will determine whether we can meet the needs of our ageing population tomorrow. By working together, we can create a future where housing with care is accessible, affordable and inclusive. But we also need to do this to ensure that the national health service can continue to function and to protect our economic prosperity.
It is time for the sector to embrace a bold, holistic vision that aligns housing with social care and health. With collaboration and commitment, we can ensure that older people across the UK have access to homes and communities where they can truly flourish.
