Dementia-friendly housing charter evaluation
The dementia-friendly housing charter was launched at The Housing Learning and Improvement Network Conference in March. The overall aim of the charter is to help housing professionals better understand dementia and how housing, its design and supporting services can help improve and maintain the wellbeing of people living with dementia.
In order to understand and measure the impact of this sector guidance, Alzheimer's Society are looking for people to take part in an evaluation of the charter.
They are looking to understand how you have been able to use the charter, any changes you have implemented or whether you have had difficulties with implementing it within your organisation.
If you are interested in taking part please contact Sara-Jane Little at: [log in to view email address] for more information.
I am an architect that has been working within the residential healthcare sector for nearly 20 years. I am a Dementia Friend Champion and regularly hold presentations for Herts Fire and Rescue Service and have design talks at Portsmouth University fro designing for dementia.
During this time I have seen a great deal of change within the development world, particularly in attitudes and knowledge of care provisions; within both local authorities and developers alike.
I am regularly tasked with applying the findings from reports such as those from Stirling and more local studies such as the HAPPI/HAPPI2 and I still think there is some way to go within the provision, design and synergy of knowledge in dementia communities.
As an example, until the conformity to Stirling Gold became a recognisable and marketable accolade, clients would regularly cherry-pick the aspects they preferred, opting for design aspects they feel more comfortable with in their homes.
As this is not necessarily holistic consideration of the end user and their individual requirements, I feel a Lifetime Homes standard for the industry should now be developed even encompassing Extra Care and Independent Living design requirements nationally as these areas of development become increasingly popular and attractive for larger residential developers.
I would welcome the opportunity to assist in any upcoming evaluation of the Charter as I feel this is a positive move in providing a cohesive approach to dementia, care and living.