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LONDON, England /
Commission for Architecture & Built Environment / September 4, 2009
People over 80 form the fastest growing age group, yet little of the existing housing stock is fit for their needs. CABE wants to see radical changes to the way in which housing which is designed for care delivery is commissioned.
A resident of Lingham Court, Stockwell. Photo by Alys Tomlinson
Housing in the future needs to allow older people to have more independence, a better choice and the ability to maintain friendships and community networks.
People who receive care now expect to have more control over services.
CABE’s new report,
Homes for our old age, launched with the Housing Learning and Improvement Network (Housing LIN) features ten case studies of housing schemes which show how the range and design of housing can support this new freedom.
The design of homes has a huge impact on quality of life, and CABE’s chief executive Richard Simmons said that local authorities, health trust and regnewsistered social landlords (RSLs) responsible for commissioning housing schemes for older people need to rise to the challenge. ‘Otherwise they will be condemning more and more of us to an isolated and lonely old age.’
Above all, people want the place they live to be a home, even if it is the place where they also receive care.
Each of the housing schemes in the report offers inventive design and management solutions linking home and social care. They address the need for flexibility in design: not all older people require the levels of support provided by a nursing home.
Improved lift technology has made upper floors accessible at two of the housing schemes, for instance, enabling disabled residents to enjoy good views, and two of the places featured are built around a courtyard designed to be easy for people with dementia to navigate.
The case studies also show how facilities which are open to the public will give older residents regular contact with people of all ages: Darwin Court in Southwark offers health facilities, an IT suite and a swimming pool, and Callendar Court in Gateshead has a café and a hairdressers.
More about homes for our old age
Homes for our old age
Featuring 10 case studies of housing schemes for older people, each of which offers inventive design and management solutions linking home and social care.
Inclusion and diversity
The built environment can contribute to a more equal, inclusive and cohesive society if places, facilities and neighbourhoods are designed to be accessible and inclusive for all. [
rc]
Source:
CABE
A resident of Lingham Court, Stockwell. Photo by Alys Tomlinson
Housing in the future needs to allow older people to have more independence, a better choice and the ability to maintain friendships and community networks.
People who receive care now expect to have more control over services.
CABE’s new report, Homes for our old age, launched with the Housing Learning and Improvement Network (Housing LIN) features ten case studies of housing schemes which show how the range and design of housing can support this new freedom.
The design of homes has a huge impact on quality of life, and CABE’s chief executive Richard Simmons said that local authorities, health trust and regnewsistered social landlords (RSLs) responsible for commissioning housing schemes for older people need to rise to the challenge. ‘Otherwise they will be condemning more and more of us to an isolated and lonely old age.’
