The Bristol Older People's Forum Housing Survey Report

‘Older people should be seen as part of the housing solution and not part of the housing problem.’

This report was commissioned by Bristol Ageing Better as part of the ‘Age-Friendly City’ initiative. The main purpose was to look at current housing for older people (over the age of 50) in Bristol and to identify their key challenges and future needs in relation to their homes.

A number of key themes have emerged from this survey and are set out in detail in the main body of the report. In summary these included:

• The importance of location and staying in the community 69% of older people said this in the survey
• The need for older people to be listened to and have the opportunity to influence decision-making
• The need for older and disabled people to be involved in the design of future housing schemes and the improvement of existing ones
• The effects of a reduction in housing support, particularly warden services in sheltered housing
• The need for adaptations and futureproofing, and associated independent advice, to enable older people to stay in their own homes
• The need for more creative housing options for older people in their own community - including challenging the often-perceived stigma of sheltered housing
• The need for trustworthy tradespeople and help with maintaining the home 36% of older people in the survey had difficulty with home maintenance
• Fear of crime and anti-social behaviour and fear of eviction - In the survey 26% of those in the private rented sector mentioned fear of eviction
• The importance of promoting a positive image of older people and challenging ageism

The BOPF plan to present the findings of the research to BCC via the Homes and Communities Board of the One City Plan and to organisations that have a stake in housing provision for older people.