The Older People’s Housing Taskforce has published a report echoing RIBA housing recommendations for an ageing population
Our Future Homes: Housing that promotes well-being and community for an ageing population has been published by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and the Department of Health and Social Care after a 12-month assessment period.
Four key messages to support housing for older people
The task force report is the result of a country-wide survey assessing the lived experience of senior citizens, families, and staff in 35 sites, including co-housing models and Shared Lives.
Five surveys were also conducted and analysed to determine what challenges are present for the ageing population. Housing, health, and social care were at the forefront as senior citizens, experts, academics, and professionals were engaged.
The four aspects that are the focus of the report are:
“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.
The report echoes RIBA’s own findings
RIBA is a founding member of the Housing Made for Everyone (HoME) Coalition, and has actively been calling for new homes to be tailored for an ageing population and people with disabilities.
Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) president Muyiwa Oki said:“This thorough assessment contains many recommendations that are most welcome. It’s been a privilege to support the work of the Taskforce over recent months, and I am really pleased to see the final report echo our call to use the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and local planning policy as a means of ensuring sufficient, appropriate local housing that meets the needs of older people.
The recommendation to immediately adopt Part M4(2) as a minimum accessibility standard for all new housing is also encouraging, and we urge the Government to consult on its implementation in the very near future.
This report highlights the urgent need for better housing options for older people, so I call on the Government to carefully consider the expert recommendations.
Architects are essential in creating high-quality homes that meet people’s needs throughout their lives, and we continue to help our members design inclusive environments for all.”
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