National Strategy for Housing in an Ageing Society Stephen Clarke Department for Communities and Local Government North West LIN meeting, Ashton-under-Lyne 15 November 2007 Picture: Care and Repair, England

2 National Strategy for Housing in an ageing society This presentation covers: 1. Overview – the grand challenge of ageing. 2. Health housing and care. 3. A National Strategy for Housing in an Ageing Society. 4. Specialised housing. 5. Recent developments. 6. Implementing the Strategy.

3 Older households make up half of all new growth

4 The hidden story of housing in an ageing society Housing growth driven by growing older population. 48% of all new households will be older to Older people major economic contributors and growing influence as a consumer group. Inappropriate housing and communities. Rising demand for care. Projections of older disabled to double by 2041 & dementia by 150% by Where will they live? The human and financial costs to projected shortage of suitable housing and services are great. Many of us will lose independence. Long-term care expenditure would need to rise by around 325% in real terms between 2002 and 2041 if we do nothing. Despite the projections, many see housing in ageing society as marginal issue.

5 4.6m older people with disability by 2041 Not building suitable mainstream homes

6 Over 85s up 85% by 2031 National picture hides local pressure points… Actual change in numbers over state pension age by area ( ) Source: Office for National Statistics …some areas are likely to see very rapid increases

7 Heath, housing and care. ‘The triangle of independence’ Enabling housing & environment Good health Social networks and care Independent older person Services in one area fail the person if other parts missing. Evidence on key reasons for loss of independence are inter-action between health, social, housing. Multi-disciplinary approach more successful. Housing often missing link.

8 Housing linked to grand demographic challenges in health and care Poor housing is linked to poor health e.g. Falls alone cost the NHS £726m a year. 40% aged 80 and above report a long term illness or disability. Wanless says relation between individual & state must change. Social Services in some areas are already at ‘critical’. Withdrawal of services for older people.  …Improved housing and housing services will prevent the need for and reduce the demand for acute health and care services.

9 What will the Strategy say?

10 Launching debate on what we want for ourselves in terms of housing for the future? Status quo is unsustainable in terms of services and supply of housing. Like Stern on climate change, Wanless on health and care and Turner Pensions, doing nothing has grave consequences. Further pressure on existing housing shortages and rising eligibility criteria for services. Challenge thinking about older people as dependent and the medical model. Embodied by products & services which belong in hospital not homes! Future will mean aspirational consumer led housing & services. Active ageing, participation and empowerment key to economics. A National Strategy for Housing in an Ageing Society

11 Key areas covered in the Strategy A housing revolution for an ageing society: Planning & supply revolution - more homes, more choice. Lifetime Homes. Lifetime Neighbourhoods. Inclusive Design UK. Specialised housing. A better deal for older people today: Housing advice and information. Repairs and adaptations. Future HIA. Prevention. New national objective on housing & older people.

12 Key areas to focus on (1) Better advice for older people Home repairs and adaptations

13 Key areas to focus on (2) Lifetime Homes and better design Specialist housing

14 Specialised housing

15 Projections show continued need and demand for specialist housing

16 Specialist housing – a positive choice Quality and Choice. Outcome focused and evidence based. Promote aspirational specialist housing. Not just for high dependency but for all. Balance of dependency levels. Promote private sector and private ownership. Pull factors increased. Better geographic locations (near friends, relatives, shops, services), amenities, security, excellent accommodation specification, wider tenure options and opportunities for social life, leisure, employment & learning. Guarantee ageing in place and long term security by inclusive design, ease of maintenance and options of full spectrum of care needs built in but with genuine choice & control. Staffing quality Staffing quality. Evidence on valuable philosophy behind models is promotion of active ageing, quality of life, independence & inclusion. Tenure revolution.

17 Recent developments Stakeholders including HOPDEV involvement. Pre-strategy launch & follow up. web link: Ministerial speech to Fabian Society. web link: Housing Green paper. web link: Code for sustainable building. web link: PSA targets. web link:

18 Implementing The Strategy Some likely themes to consider: How best to change words into action locally via Strategy for older people’s housing & services. Engaging the right partners. Communication. Developing links across health, housing and social care. What else?

19 The Future for Inclusive Design?

20 Inclusive Eco Homes Ecotect Australian low cost eco- friendly retirement housing

21 What happens next? Strategy publication by early HOPS team: A National Strategy for Housing in an Ageing Society