A research project attempted to identify the extent to which sheltered accommodation provides support and accommodation to groups of older people with histories of homelessness and needs that are not traditionally associated with older people; and to consider some of the issues raised by integrating these groups into mainstream provision.
Source: Imogen Blood, Sheltered Housing and the Resettlement of Older Homeless People, Help the Aged (020 7278 1114) and Housing Associations Charitable Trust
Links: Summary (pdf)
Date: 2002-Dec
A briefing paper examined problems associated with the benefits system for older homeless people and those at risk of homelessness. It proposed a series of practical changes to the benefits system, particularly in relation to housing benefit.
Source: Jenny Pannell, Benefits Tangles: Problems of the benefits system for older homeless people and those at risk of homelessness, Help the Aged (020 7278 1114) and UK Coalition on Older Homelessness
Links: Briefing paper (pdf)
Date: 2002-Dec
The government issued a report on progress in improving quality and choice for older people s housing since a strategy document was published in January 2001. Ministers said they wanted local authorities and their partner organisations in health to develop meaningful older persons strategies that not only address present housing, social care and health issues, but also look to the future.
Source: Quality and Choice for Older People s Housing: A Strategic Framework - The Story so Far, Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (0870 1226 236)
Links: Report (pdf)
See also: Journal of Social Policy Volume 31/1, Digest 121, paragraph 4.5
Date: 2002-Dec
A review examined how the needs of older people might affect the planning of neighbourhoods and of individual homes. It highlighted the fact that the population of older people is not homogeneous, and that providers need to meet a wide range of preferences and circumstances.
Source: Nigel Appleton, Planning for the Majority: The needs and aspirations of older people in general housing, York Publishing Services for Joseph Rowntree Foundation, available from York Publishing Services Ltd (01904 431213)
Links: JRF Findings N32
Date: 2002-Nov
The Housing Corporation set out its vision for investment in a range of affordable housing and services which will improve older people's quality of life, by giving them greater choice and control over where and how they live, and by promoting greater independence, inter-dependence and social inclusion.
Source: Housing for Older People, Housing Corporation (020 7393 2000)
Links: Report (pdf) | Press release
Date: 2002-Oct
A new book argued that the involvement of older people as active partners in planning their future living arrangements, and elements of care support, must be at the heart of day-to-day practice, policy planning and design.
Source: Keith Sumner (ed.), Our Homes, Our Lives: Choice in later life living arrangements, Centre for Policy on Ageing, available from Central Books (020 8986 5488)
Links: Summary
Date: 2002-Oct
