Light for Sight Eastern Housing LIN 5 May 2011 Anthony Slater Lighting Development Manager Thomas Pocklington Trust

Thomas Pocklington Trust Registered charity founded in 1958 To provide quality housing, care and support services that promote independence and choice for people with sight loss (nine centres) To fund research into the prevention, alleviation and cure of sight loss, disseminate findings and support good practice.

Summary Pocklington lighting research Practical adaptations Guidance and tools

Prevalence of sight loss Our eyes work less well as we get older at 60 need 3x light needed at 20 13 million people in UK over 60 Specific eye conditions can make this worse incidence increases with age Best estimates – registerable sight loss 13% of those aged 75+ have serious sight loss (600,000 people) 33% of those aged 90+ have serious sight loss

Importance of lighting Sight loss affects everyday lives of 2 million people in UK Most people with sight loss have some residual vision Good lighting can help people to make the most of their vision

Pocklington Research The housing needs of people with sight loss (Bartlett – University College London): People aged over 65 People ‘of working age’ Identified importance of lighting Lighting for people with sight loss (University of Reading): Questionnaires and surveys of installed lighting

Lighting in homes of people with sight loss – common findings Low levels of lighting shadows stairs Glare from light fittings direct view of lamp Significantly different light levels adaptation problems moving from room to room Poor control – switching / dimming Lack of information on improvements

Lighting at home – approach Visits to homes of people with sight loss Discussions with user – establish user needs Assessments of existing lighting Proposals for lighting changes Tailored to individual’s needs Agreed with user Installation Evaluation

Implementation and evaluation Implemented in over 100 Pocklington properties Tenanted flats and houses Residential care home Positive evaluations meeting tenant’s needs “…very satisfied……a great improvement” “…lighting changes have helped a lot with the glare” “…lighting is now flexible” “…totally over the moon with it”

Good general and task lighting

Hallway and stairs

Kitchens

Bathrooms

Bedrooms

Cupboards and wardrobes

Wardrobe

Multiple light sources

Multiple light sources - traditional

Communal areas

Lighting - Top tips Tasks and movement around the home Amount of light Control – switching and dimming Diffuse, even lighting, no dark shadows Multiple light points No glare – no direct view of lamp

Lighting - Top tips for adaptations Avoid disruption to decoration Use existing fixed wiring points Add lighting track for additional ceiling lights Use existing electrical sockets for task lights Use micro-trunking for wiring if needed Convert existing twin sockets to triples

Pocklington Design Guide Habinteg Housing Association Published by IHS BRE Press Endorsed by Chartered Institute of Housing College of Occupational Therapists Society of Light and Lighting Housing Corporation

Kitchens Efficient layout Units and worktops Colour and contrast Doors and handles Colour and contrast Matt surfaces Appliances Controls Lighting General and task

Seven characteristics of good lighting Lighting should always be: Appropriate to each person Sufficient for activity and orientation Even, across different areas Adjustable for flexibility Energy efficient and sustainable Simple to install Adaptable for the future.

Lighting good practice guide Lighting in new and existing homes Guidance on specification Case studies Checklists

Adaptations good practice guide Practical guidance Adaptations Involving people Specific spaces Indoors and outside Checklists

Lighting booklet Non-technical information Lamps and light fittings General lighting Task lighting Daylight - shading Further sources of help

Lighting training One day workshop Lamps & fittings Demonstrations Practical exercises Case studies Design tools Produce specification

Lighting for sight consultancy Existing or proposed schemes Assessment of tenant need Survey of existing or proposed lighting Proposals for lighting adaptations Improved lighting gives: Increased independence Decreased need for support Reduced maintenance and running costs

Light for Sight Strategy Group Representatives from professional bodies Social care: COT, SCA, ADASS, COptom Housing: CIH, NHF, HIAs Technical: SLL, RIBA, RICS Developed Good Practice Framework 8 elements for action Endorsed by professional bodies

Good Practice Framework Assessments include sight loss / lighting Information for professionals Information for public Advice for public Skilled installers / electricians Training for professionals Influence future policies / procedures Housing design

Contact details Anthony Slater Lighting Development Manager Thomas Pocklington Trust www.pocklington-trust.org.uk