|
|
|
 |
Policy statements Unsuitable housing can effectively disable older people. Unfit housing can lead to ill-health and depression. Lack of information about housing options can also leave many older people in unsuitable accommodation. Improving access to a range of appropriate housing for older people is therefore a key concern for older people and for Help the Aged. Help the Aged is currently developing policies on a range of housing issues, including: housing advice and information, homelessness, housing conditions and information on housing provision. We also provide factsheets on older homelessness, fuel poverty and decent housing and housing tenure (soon to be added). More detailed information on the issue of fuel poverty can be found in the Fuel Poverty section. Information on housing benefit can be found in the Benefits section Useful links For more information on homelessness, visit the UK Coalition on Older Homelessness by clicking here For a more general round-up of the issues, you can view the Department of Work and Pensions publication Opportunity Age and the Office of Deputy Prime Minister Social Exclusion Unit report A Sure Start to Later Life. Details of the Government's older people's housing strategy 'Lifetime Homes, Lifetime Neighbourhoods', published February 2008, can be downloaded from the following link. www.communities.gov.uk/housing/housingmanagementcare/housingolder/ Help the Aged is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.
Housing Choice for Older People (July 2006) There is a diversity of housing needs among older people in England yet the housing options available to them are often limited. This discussion presents a comprehensive range of policy and practice recommendations to help improve the current situation. Older Homelessness (April 2006) Many older homeless people tend to be out of sight and can be reluctant to use social services. This statement explores the issues and evidence about older people living on the streets Lifetime Home Standards (April 2006) Policy statement advocating the adoption of Lifetime Home Standards: building all new homes so that they are adaptable to the needs of disabled people. This diagram provides a visual representation of the main elements of the lifetime homes standards. Lifetime Homes Diagram
Housing and Regeneration Bill 2007 A joint briefing with Age Concern, in response to the Government's intention to increase the supply of new housing and improve homes and communities throughout Britain. Older Women and Domestic Violence: Summary (February 2004) This report seeks to address the assumption that domestic violence is not an issue for older women and argues that they are often overlooked. Presenting the findings of new research, it discusses issues of definition, reviews existing evidence around the incidence of domestic violence among older women and considers some of the ways in which their needs may differ from those of younger women. The Discharge of Older Homeless People from Hospital: Summary (July 2003) This report highlights additional challenges and opportunities in providing effective services for older homeless people discharged from hospital and offers a series of recommendations to health agencies, housing departments, social services and local authorities. The harassment and abuse of older people in the private rented sector (February 2003) This summary report documents personal accounts of verbal, physical and financial abuse by landlords who use scare tactics, massive rent increases and obstructive behaviour to force older tenants to move. It highlights what older tenants need and recommends that homelessness strategies set out clear plans to make the best use of private housing in order to meet local needs, while maintaining and improving standards. Surviving at the Margins: Summary (November 2002) This report details the breadth of work being undertaken with older people and offers an insight into the specific and complex needs of older homeless people. Research for the report was carried out at the University of the West of England. It assesses the work of the Older Homelessness Partnership Programme, set up to fund innovative projects to tackle older homelessness.(Help the Aged, hact) Sheltered housing and the resettlement of older homeless people (November 2002) This summary report shows that sheltered housing gives older homeless people the opportunity to have their own self-contained accommodation, alongside the support they need to sustain their home and independence. (Help the Aged, hact) ^top
The Help the Aged response to the Department of Communities and Local Government's consultation on eco-towns as offering the opportunity to achieve high standards of sustainable living while also maximising the potential for affordable housing. Response to the Code for Sustainable Homes (October 2007) Outline of the Help the Aged position on the implementation of lifetime homes. The priorities for older people in tackling the current housing crisis A policy response by Help the Aged to the Communities and Local Government Paper. Disabled Facilities Grant (2007) The Help the Aged response to the Government's consultation on the future of grants to help with home adaptations . The Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) is an important source of funding to enabled disabled older people to remain independent in their own homes Creating Sustainable Communities Supporting Independence (Feb 2006) The Help the Aged response to the ODPM consultation on the future direction of Supporting People – which offers vital low level housing support to many older people. ^top
'Live Choices' is based on the views of older homeless people who used a Help the Aged funded project in East London. It demonstrates the significant benefits of organised day time activities for vulnerable and isolated older people. 'Moving On' reviews the evidence demonstrating the benefits of meaningful activity to the mental and physical health of older people. Although the report is based on vulnerable groups it has far wider relevance to all older people. Older people, decent homes and fuel poverty (June 2006) Report based on an analysis of the English House Condition Survey, which looks at the state of older people's housing in England Full report examining the challenges and proposes cost-effective solutions for SP commissioners, their partner agencies and providers to meet the challenge of older homelessness. Coming of Age Findings (October 2004) Summary of the 'Coming of Age' report. Journeys out of loneliness (February 2004) An honest account of older people's perceptions of both their needs and the solutions to their problemsof isolation and loneliness. The report is based on research by Kim Willcock involving interviews and small group discussions with 160 older people using homelessness services. Local homelessness strategies (April 2003) An outline of the elements that should be contained in local authority homelessness strategies to address the needs of older homeless people. Housing Advice for Older People (January 2003) Advice for older people on housing is provided by a range of statutory and voluntary organisations. This report shows advice is a key factor in preventing older people becoming homeless or experiencing housing poverty. Benefits Tangles (November 2002) This report looks at the problems experienced by vulnerable older people claiming housing benefit and council tax benefit. (Help the Aged and the UK Coalition on Older Homelessness). Older People and Homelessness in Nottingham (January 2001) There is a wide range of services for homeless people in Nottingham, and also for older people, but older homeless people may have difficulty accessing appropriate services for a number of reasons outlined in this report. Rhetoric into Reality (June 1999) The report provides a brief synopsis of three action research projects with older homeless people, describes the benefits of taking a user focused approach for users and for services, and concludes with a set of recommendations for funders and service providers. Changing Lives for Good? (1999) Report of the Help the Aged conference held in London on 26 April 1999. Outside In: Tackling the Social Exclusion of Older Homeless People (1998) Homelessness can affect people of all ages. This report outlines the problems of providing support services for older homeless people and makes recommendations for appropriate action. Homeless Truths; Challenging the Myths about Older Homeless People (1998) This report aims to improve our understanding of older homelessness with a view to developing appropriate policies and effective services. It discusses the distinct problems and needs of older homeless people, the prevalence of homelessness among older people, and the types of services which are needed, drawing on examples of good practice. ^top
Currently, there are no documents in this section. |
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
