Age-friendly homes plan "flawed"
26/02/2008
One of the country's biggest providers of retirement community living says
the Government's plans to make every new home suitable for elderly people
will only exacerbate the current problem of older people living in large
family houses they no longer really need.
In the UK 60% of all homes with more than four bedrooms are occupied by
people regularly using just one of the bed-rooms.
Nick Sanderson, Chief Executive of retirement village company Audley
explained: "Part of the reason for the shortage of housing in this country
is that older people who are often "empty-nesters" are hanging on to big
family properties they no longer really need.
"Whilst we very much welcome the Government thinking that we all need to
plan ahead for our retirement, the answer does not lie in people occupying
the ground floor of a three-story home because it now has a downstairs
bathroom.
"The better and more sensible solution is to provide more homes which are
specifically suited for elderly people with services available on site to
allow them to stay forever. There is a huge shortage of provision of homes
which are really suited to retirement living. It may be difficult for people
to accept as they get older but they do need to consider downsizing to homes
which are more manageable rather that stay in large family homes which are
no longer required.
"This would not only suit their needs but also release many homes for young
families."
Another major provider, Pegasus Retirement Homes, has also criticised aspects of the strategy: their Chief Execitive Peter F Askew, says that: “it’s important to consider that many retirees actively look to downsize from their family home once their children have flown the nest. This can be due to the upkeep of a larger house becoming too much and/or a desire to free up money. Such movement forms an important trend in the housing market by releasing much-needed family homes.
"We are pleased the government recognises the needs of Britain’s ageing population. But its proposals to change the features of mainstream new-build housing are not the only solution and do not properly address the needs of the elderly.
Properties not only need to meet the physical requirements of the older population (wider doorways, waist-level work surfaces etc.) but, very importantly, they need to consider and promote the creation of like-minded communities. This crucial aspect of retirement living is highlighted in research by Help the Aged which estimated that over 300,000 elderly people can go a month without speaking to a family member or neighbour.
"Retirement property also needs to provide security and independence. our developments, for example, feature 24-hour careline systems, additional care options if needed, and an on-site estate manager to maintain the development and provide a caring eye for apartment owners.
"These aspects help to create a package which accommodates the changing needs of retirees and, at the same time, provides peace of mind for families. It also shows how purpose-built retirement property offers a proven alternative to remaining in a larger family home."