Has anyone come across this social housing issue: elderly people living in large homes that you want to move out so you can accommodate families with children who are squashed into flats/small houses? How do you resolve the dilemma of choice and control about where to live for the older person (and choice of where to die as in the end of life care strategy) with that of putting children's development first?
This is very difficult. Where is the balance between the individual's preference to stay in the home they may have lived in for many years, but which is now unsuited to their living requirements, and society's need for houses for families? I think the answer lies in introducing older people to possible accommodation options as soon as they "retire", rather than when they begin to get frail.
Much more information is needed about the possibilities which exist for people who are getting older, so that there is ongoing and open discussion within families and in the media.
Neatly put get1 !!
Yes, it's a dilemma and has been the subject of discussion for many years. Elderly people who find themselves having to move in the latter years of their lives tend to find this very stressful, and stress kills, particularly in the elderly. With some elderly in social housing the whole financial system can force them to move (insufficient housing / other benefit support to maintain a too large property for example) and so the answer to your question is partly 'resolved' in this way. But children and families also need adequate housing. Such a shame that a certain government saw fit to encourage the virtual abandonment of social housing. If the supply was adequate there would be less pressure to force people to downsize when for whatever reason it really is not in their best interest.
I didn't think it was possible to 'force' someone to move?
Looking at our list of vacancies in my area, for the 1 or 2 bed warden assisted properties I see it says that priority is given for applicants who are downsizing though. I know people who have spent a lot of money on their HA housing thinking they will be there 'forever' or as good as ..