Policy

Challenges of older people’s housing and care: Anchor Trust paper

Anchor Trust has published a discussion paper, in association with the International Longevity Centre (ILC), looking at demographic, social and economic change over the next 10 to 15 years and how this will prompt major quality innovation in older people’s care services.

Anchor argues that older people, especially the ‘baby boomer’ generation, will increasingly want to be at the centre of decisions which will affect their wellbeing and to be able to determine how their care is delivered.

Anchor 2020: meeting the challenges of older people’s housing and care.
Tel: 020 7759 9100 (Anchor Trust)


Comprehensive Area Assessment: Audit Commission consultation

Key inspectorates led by the Audit Commission have published a second consultation document on proposals for a new performance assessment framework for local areas. This will comprise both area and organisational assessments. The area assessment will also examine the performance of local authorities’ partners and will specifically consider the ‘experience of people in vulnerable circumstances’.

The Comprehensive Area Assessment (CAA) will rely less on inspections than the current local assessment framework. CAA proposals will be finalised early next year to become effective in April 2009.

Comprehensive area assessment: joint inspectorate proposals for consultation.
Tel: 0844 798 1212 (Audit Commission)


Disabled facilities grants: Ombudsman reports on council failures

The Local Government Ombudsman has criticised two local authorities for serious failures in arranging adaptations to the homes of newly-disabled people.

Kirklees Council took over 18 months to agree and fund a scheme for a quadriplegic young man confined to two unsuitable rooms in his home.  Sheffield Council caused a paralysed man unnecessary indignity after he spent 10-14 weeks without access to washing or toilet facilities. Sheffield Council apologised to, compensated and reimbursed the man and has reviewed its procedures.

Local Government Ombudsman press releases, 4 July 2008.


Housing for people with sight loss: Housing LIN factsheet

The Housing Learning and Improvement Network (LIN) has published a factsheet on housing for people with sight loss. It covers

• general needs and supported housing; 
• research findings about the needs and interests of people with sight loss; and 
• case studies about support services and housing provision, with insight from people with sight loss.

The factsheet suggests most of the 13 million people over 60 in the UK could improve their vision at home through better design and lighting or other adaptations. 

Housing for people with sight loss. Factsheet 26.
Tel: 020 7972 1330 (Housing LIN, CSIP)

Personal budgets and older people’s housing: Housing21 report

Housing 21 has issued a report, funded by the Housing Corporation, on the impact of the government’s personalisation agenda on older people’s housing.  It discusses:

• how housing providers can enable older people to put together personalised support packages; 
• flexibility of staffing and management structures; and 
• implications for the sustainability of housing models.

A final report will be published in late 2008 and will incorporate findings in the next phase of work in West Sussex and Oldham.

‘Building choices’: personal budgets and older people’s housing - broadening the debate. Report and summary.
Tel: 0870 192 4000 (Housing 21)





 

 

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