Housing schemes failing older people

Regeneration and housing development programmes are failing to take account of older people’s housing needs, according to a report compiled by the charity Help the Aged.

Those in private rented accommodation are “disproportionately” at risk of poor quality housing, while the “vast majority” of older homeless people are “trapped” in temporary accommodation.

While three-quarters of people would want to stay in their own homes should they become disabled, the report said access to funding for adaptations was limited.

Older people also face limited choices if they want to move, with declining numbers of care home places and insufficient investment in extra care housing

The report called for all regional and local housing strategies to specifically assess older people’s needs, and for councils to be able to license private landlords in areas where older people are at risk of poor housing.

Housing Choice for Older People