Older People’s Housing: Policy, Performance and Practice

 Older People’s Housing: Policy, Performance and Practice
 National Housing Federation
 ISBN 9780 862975234,
 £32.50

 STAR RATING: 3/5

The challenges of ensuring that the UK’s diverse and ageing population has access to good housing and support services is the focus of this timely book, writes Peter  Scourfield.

It is also a concisely written work. It appears to be more directed towards senior managers than front-line practitioners and consists of just three chapters, running to only 71 pages including appendices. So, at £32.50 it is not exactly value for money. But it will provide a useful reference for managers in housing, social care and other partner organisations.

Chapter one outlines of the government agenda on ageing and housing, together with a summary of the key policy drivers. It is made clear that housing is not a narrow, stand-alone policy area but links closely to the wider health, social care and community agendas.

Chapter two is concerned with “improving performance in older people’s housing” and explains the ever evolving regulatory framework and the key tools used to assess quality of housing providers. Using examples derived mainly from inspection reports, chapter three discusses “good practice initiatives” across service provision such as sheltered housing, extra care housing and telecare.

Despite its slim size, the authors’ claim that it will “help organisations plan future developments” is justified.

Peter Scourfield is senior lecturer in social policy and social work, Anglia Ruskin University