New approaches to housing for older people - Supporting organisations to pioneer new ways of working and review current and emerging practice

This new briefing from CIH and the Housing LIN looks at how models of bespoke housing for older people (often termed sheltered or retirement housing) could be developed in the future that:

• Enable increasing numbers of older people to have better and more attractive housing options that provide more fit for purpose affordable solutions to their housing needs.

• Enable health and care services when needed to be delivered in/closer to home, providing better outcomes for older people and achieving savings for the public purse, by reducing dependency on acute services.

• Enable older people to have a living environment that promotes personal safety, social engagement and activity, maximising wellbeing and reducing the ill effects of social isolation and the adverse impacts of some long term conditions.

Containing latest policy developments and practice examples that are reviving the way bespoke housing for older people is making a valid contribution in meeting the housing needs of older people, the briefing questions:

• Why we should be thinking about options for housing older people now? It focuses on the key national and business drivers for change.

• What are others doing? It explores the approaches that other organisations have taken in developing new or remodelling current housing.

• How do you make sure you get it right? It considers the challenges and issues that you need to take into consideration when deciding on and implementing your approach. It also explores what is needed in the wider policy and financial context to encourage more players to be involved in what is currently a niche market.