Eight million Britons will have to move from home as they age, National Housing Federation warns
02-28-2015
100,000 new homes must be built specifically for older people to meet the needs of an ageing population, experts warn
100,000 homes should be built for the elderly, says the National Housing Federation Photo: ALAMY
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Sarah Knapton
By Sarah Knapton, Science Editor
Almost eight million over-55s are living in houses that will be unsuitable for them as they age, a study has found.
The National Housing Federation has warned that more than 100,000 new homes must be built specifically for older people to meet the needs of an ageing population.
They argue that the bed-blocking crisis in the NHS will continue to worsen without greater investment in homes that are already suitable for the elderly.
Age UK found that 1.9 million bed days were lost last year because elderly people had nowhere to go on their release from hospital and so could not be discharged.
And new research carried out by YouGov found that half of homeowners would have to move from their current home if they developed mobility problems.
David Orr, chief executive of the National Housing Federation, said: “Unless we start building the right homes for our future older population now, the impact down the line on the NHS could be catastrophic.
“Housing associations have already begun developing well-designed homes for over 55s that are self-contained houses and apartments with built in care services available when needed, but they need the support from government to do much more.
“As we get older we all deserve to have well-designed homes that promote good health. To solve the care crisis for good and relieve pressure in the NHS we have to get housing right first.
“Ahead of the election we are calling for all political parties to commit to end the housing crisis within a generation and that must include delivering the range of housing and care options we need for our ageing population.”
In October, levels of bed-blocking reached a record high, with 22 per cent more people forced to stay in hospital because there was no space in care homes, or their own home was unsuitable. In total, almost 5,000 patients ended up stuck in hospital needlessly.
The National Housing Federation, is calling on the next government to publish a long-term plan setting out how it will tackle Britain’s growing housing problem.
They claim building homes specifically for the elderly would encourage older people to down size and pass on their own houses to families who need the space.
Some schemes already exist for the elderly such as Amblecote Gardens in Little Hulton, Salford, which provides apartments with care services attached.
Dorothy Worthington, 84, will be one of the first residents. Her daughter Jane Kelley, 58, said it was important that older people could still feel independent.
“Most people want to stay in their own home for as long as they can, but there comes a time when that is no longer possible.
“We need more schemes like this to make sure that older generations have a secure place to live.
“My sister and I both work, so we can’t be around 24/7 to look after our mum. Knowing that she is in a place where she can maintain her independence, but also provides access to support whenever she needs it is really important to us.”
The Anchor Housing Association is also building retirement villages in the South of England which include on-site facilities such as a gardener, repairs service, cleaning and a 24 hour emergency call system.