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Housing for Older People: Evidence based Decision Making

Housing for Older People: Evidence based Decision Making

Summary

Fingal Age Friendly Alliance established an interagency Housing Sub-Committee to ascertain the housing needs of older people and promote the development of Age Friendly Housing. Consultations with older people during the development of Fingal’s Age Friendly Strategy highlighted their wish to remain living in their own home and uncertainties around the availability of social, health and care supports locally as they age.  Research was undertaken to ensure the rationale for an interagency approach for the development of housing was clear and to provide evidence for effective decision making. Research on best practice and mapping of the demographic profile, services and facilities in Fingal, demand by over 55s for housing together with “empty nesters” and alternative accommodation was undertaken. Data from research undertaken by the ‘Healthy and Positive Ageing Initiative’ in Fingal was analysed, to ascertain attitudes of older people to adapting their home, moving to alternative accommodation and social engagement.

From the data gathered a number of possible locations for housing were identified which also facilitated the optimisation of available services. It is apparent from the evidence, that while one type of development may work well in one location, it may be inappropriate in another and as such a number of potential sites offering different tenure, management structure and services are required to deliver an effective housing policy for all older people in Fingal. And while building works have not yet commenced, negotiations are on-going. However, the initiative also provided an opportunity for all stakeholders to assess their own criteria for decision making in areas which affect older people.

Key facts

Main target group: Older people in general

Sector(s): Health, Housing

Desired outcome for older people:
Meet their basic needs

Other issues the Age-friendly practice aims to address:
  • Accessibility
  • Ageing in place
  • Inclusion
  • Participation
  • Technologies

Contact details

Name: DeBairtiseil, íde

Email address: Ide.DeBairtiseil@fingal.ie

Preferred language(s): English

Age-friendly practice in detail (click to expand):

Engaging the wider community

Project lead: Local authorities

Others involved in the project:
  • Older People’s Association
  • Social or health care provider

How collaboration worked: While Fingal County Council managed and funded the initial research phase, the initiative was instigated and overseen by Fingal’s Age Friendly Alliance. Phase II of the initiative will involve a collaboration between Fingal County Council, voluntary housing associations, private developers and service providers such as health, social care and transport.

Older people’s involvement: Older people were involved in the age-friendly practice at multiple or all stages

Details on older people’s involvement: The project commenced following consultations with older people during the development of Fingal’s Age Friendly Strategy. The project was overseen by the Age Friendly Alliance which includes representatives of the Senior Citizens Forum (OPC). The Senior Citizens Forum were updated throughoutthe process. Research undertaken as part of the ‘Healthy and Positive Ageing Initiative’ was analysed to ensure the views of older people in Fingal were carefully considered.

Moving forward

Has the impact of this age-friendly practice been analysed: No

Do you plan to evaluate your age-friendly practice? Yes

Feedback:
While the project is not yet complete, it is envisaged that older people will be further consulted to ensure their input into design and ensure the availability of appropriate and suitable services in the locality.

Expansion plans:
On completion of the first housing development for older people, it is envisaged the process will be evaluated to ensure it remains valid and appropriate. This evaluation will possibly highlight other areas of decision making where the process can apply.

Looking back

Reflections:
Fortunately, we were able to extrapolate data for Fingal from a recent national survey of older people. If this had not been available, a wider consultation process locally would have been required. What we need to do differently will not be apparent until the process is completed and evaluated.

Challenges:
The challenges faced at initial stage were limited. However, it is anticipated that the next phase will provide many challenges as we endeavour to ensure the needs of older people remain a priority when developing housing in collaboration with other stakeholders.