Wealden Older Persons Housing & Support Strategy

Transcription

1 Wealden Older Persons Housing & Support Strategy

2 Introduction Strategic Context The National 1.2 Regional and 1.3 Local Strategic Context 2. Wealden and the rural context Background information on Wealden 2.2 National Picture 3. Consultation What people want - national evidence 3.2 Local Consultation - East Sussex 3.3 Wealden District Council Housing Needs Surveys 3.4 Consultation with residents of Wealden District Council 3.5 Housing Summit 4 Forecasting the needs for Older People in Wealden Key demographics indicators 4.2 Deprivation 4.3 Health prevalence & incidence 4.4 Diversity 4.5 Dementia 4.6 Care & Support Needs 4.7 Housing need & demand 4.8 Adaptations 4.9 Transport 4.10 Planning 4.11 Leisure and Cultural Activities 5 Mapping resources supply Housing Advice 5.1 Sheltered housing - socially rented sector 5.2 Retirement housing to buy 5.3 Other Private Housing 5.4 Care Homes 5.5 Adult Social care provision 5.6 Dementia 5.7 Supporting People funded support services 5.8 Other Housing Related Support Services 5.9 Voluntary/Community activity 5.10 Adult Social care 6 Gaps emerging from needs and supply data Gaps in the supply of Specialist housing 6.2 Provision of suitable general needs housing for older people 6.3 Gaps in Support Services 6.4 Housing Advice 7 The Market Resources, Finances and Funding Partnerships Action Plan Glossary Appendix 1: Key Policy Documents Appendix 2: Needs Of Older People living in Rural Parishes in Wealden Appendix 3: Breakdown of Ethnicity in Wealden Appendix 4: Older People s Governance Structure Appendix 5: Activities in Wealden Council s sheltered stock 2

3 Introduction Following the publication of A Draft Strategy for Housing and Housing related support in Lewes and Wealden (2005), it was agreed that individual strategies should be developed focusing on the needs in detail for each district. This publication is intended to build on the original document by setting out a plan for the development of a range of local housing-related options for older people within Wealden District Council in response to locally assessed needs. It covers housing, including extra care, and support services including housing related support and is designed to provide a framework for commissioning. Although initial action is focused on the next ten years, the strategy also considers the longer term needs of the rising elderly (over 50 s) in looking forward to possible developments up until Since the publication of the 2005 document, the housing needs of older people have risen higher on the national agenda. It is increasingly recognised that Housing and Support options need to be developed that will result in a wider choice, greater independence and control for older people in line with changing aspirations. To achieve this, links need to be made across strategies and policies, particularly between housing, social care, Supporting People and health. This strategy has therefore been developed in partnership with a range of key stakeholders in the District, specifically:- Adult Social care Services (East Sussex County Council) Wealden District Council East Sussex Downs and Weald PCT Supporting People Wealden & Eastbourne Lifeline Sussex Partnership Trust Age Concern Care for the Carers Alzheimer s Society Anchor Staying Put The aim of the strategy is To enhance the social inclusion, dignity, choice and independence of older people living in Wealden District Council, by maintaining people in their own homes and through the provision of a range of housing and housing related support services The strategy will be adopted by both Wealden District Council and East Sussex County Council and the County Strategic Forum. 3

4 The above map shows Wealden District Council's location within East Sussex. 4

5 1. Strategic Context 1.1 The National Strategic Context Social inclusion and Housing The publication, in February 2008, of the document Lifetime Homes, Lifetime Neighbourhoods: a National Strategy for Housing in an Ageing Society 1 marked the culmination of nearly a decade of discussion and research into the needs and changing aspirations of older people. It is well known that older people are living longer but the full impact of this is less understood. A four-year research programme by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation found that services are still based on assumptions that older people represent a burden on services rather than being able to make positive contributions to society themselves and entitled to the same freedom of choice and quality of services as others. Similar issues were raised in Excluded Older People based on consultation with older people by the Social Exclusion unit. Older people want joined up services, early intervention to prevent problems becoming worse and the need for more expensive solutions at a later stage; and to be involved in the design and delivery of services. The English Longitudinal Study in Ageing (ELSA) 2 identified seven dimensions of social exclusion and the characteristics of those at greatest risk of multiple exclusion i.e. exclusion from a number of activities. The research indicated that people living alone in rented accommodation, on a low income, with no access to their own transport and suffering from depression were at high risk of social exclusion. Although these factors were seen to be independent of age, people over 80 with limited mobility, in poor health in city areas are also particularly at risk. This inevitably relates to how older people view their quality of life, with people excluded on a number of dimensions reporting a much lower quality of life. Those reporting the lowest quality were excluded from what the authors term the basic dimension namely, access to finance, health services and local facilities such as shops. Lifetime Homes, Lifetime Neighbourhoods is the first attempt to address these issues in a holistic manner, with an emphasis on the kind of partnership in planning and delivery and the importance of sustainable neighbourhoods that is reflected in this strategy for Wealden. Some of the key priorities of the Department of Communities and Local Government are : increasing choice through supporting innovation ensure that planning can respond to the needs of an ageing population through better intelligence and promoting higher design standards better co-ordination and integration of housing, health and social care provision of specialist housing such as ExtraCare development of tenure options such as equity release expansion of rapid repairs services 1 Lifetime Homes, Lifetime Neighbourhoods: A National Strategy for Housing in an Ageing Society CLG, February Social Exclusion of Older People: future trends and policies think piece ( New Horizons Research Programme, Department of Communities and Local Government, June 2006). 5

6 Housing Related Support The Supporting People programme supports people to live independently helping avoid a move to more institutional forms of care. The National Strategy for Supporting People (2007) reflects the CLOG agenda above emphasing widening choices, the need for joint working and a clear focus within the broader context of sustainable communities. Social Care The emphasis on moving towards a more individualised approach to addressing the needs of older people is underlined in the document Putting People First. This ministerial concordat establishes the collaboration between central and local government, the sector's professional leadership, providers and the regulator. It sets out the shared aims and values which will guide the transformation of Adult Social care, and recognises that the sector will work across agendas with users and carers to transform people s experience of local support and services. The intention is to move away from the parternalistic, one size fits all approach that has characterised the delivery of some social care services in recent years and to put the user (and carer) firmly in the centre, chosing and guiding their care and support according to pre-agreed outcomes. The importance of partnerships between all sectors in developing a wider range of options than at present, is underlined if this ambitious agenda is to succeed. The implications of this personalisation agenda is discussed in the report by housing21 Building Choices : Personal Budgets and Older People s Housing- broadening the debate 3 This approach builds on earlier studies, such as All Our Tomorrows: Inverting the Triangle of Care 4. This describes a shift away from a focus on acute care and the most frail older people to a more preventative approach. The concept of a triangle of care is used to depict how most resources currently go to the few. This triangle needs to be inverted, putting community engagement and the promotion of wellbeing at the top in terms of both importance and resources. The extension of universal services for all older people should be crucial to all agencies. Individuals would benefit from this approach as well as the health and social care economy as a whole (through reduced pressure on services) and the local community (becoming sustainable and retaining its diversity and history). The Triangle of Care Direct users & Carers Acute Care Health, Social Care, Housing Citizens Community Strategy Engagement: Empowerment Environment: Safety: Housing: Learning All Partners Individuals Families Communities Citizens Frail Older People Prevention Policies Community Strategy Engagement: Empowerment Environment: Safety: Housing: Learning Public services Voluntary Sector Faith Communities All Partners Individuals Families Communities Direct users & Carers Promotion & Well Being Policies Specialist Care Health, Social Care, Housing Public Services Voluntary Sector Faith Communities 3 BuildingC hoices : Personal Budgets & Older People s Housing broadening the debate, Summary Housing 21/CSIP June All Our Tomorrows: Inverting the Triangle of Care Association of Directors of Social Services October

7 Dementia services Consultation on the recent draft National Dementia Strategy is highlighting the need for the strategy to give more focus on housing related issues and link more with the key strategic Housing documents described above. The development of Assistive technology and Extra Care Housing can be seen as key enablers for achieving the outcome of preventing admission to residential care Health The parallel agenda to Putting People First is outlined by the DH in its publications on World Class Commssioning 5 This sets out a vision for the commissioning of health and care services. It outlines what it means to be world class and describes how commissioners will help deliver wider health improvements. Key messages from National strategies An increasingly ageing population presents challenges and opportunities Planning needs to be long-term, aiming at the baby-boomer generation Older people are part of the social capital of an area authorities enable their social inclusion and promote their role as active citizens Communities and good accommodation are vital factors for a high quality of life in old age The aspirations of older people should be addressed through increasing available options of housing and housing support and ways of paying for it All housing related developments need to be accessible, inclusive socially and economically and environmentally sustainable Older people themselves should be involved in the design and delivery of care Resources need to be shifted away from a focus on acute care prevention towards mental and physical wellbeing in old age. Provision should be responsive and flexible and delivered close to home. It should reflect a wide range of needs and situations including mental health and other complex needs Provision should be available regardless of tenure All developments must consider the needs of local BME communities People living with long term conditions, including dementia, need to be helped to maintain independence for as long as possible Importance of joint planning across social care, housing, health, planning and the independent sector Authorities to act as strategic enablers facilitating private sector development as appropriate Shifts in investment will be required 1.2 The Regional Context Increasingly, good progress is being made towards a cross boundary and multiagency approach to housing and support development in line with the Government's agenda. In particular this approach applies to the commissioning and development of 5 World Class Commissioning:vision: DH December

8 specialist provision e.g. supported housing for people with dementia and extra care housing. The South East Regional Housing Strategy highlights that since older people often live alone or in smaller households, this has a significant bearing on the nature of demand in the region. The Strategy which breaks Wealden into the Sussex Coastal area (includes Hailsham and everything south) and the High Weald (the rest of Wealden), highlights that Wealden has the fourth/fifth highest proportion of people aged 65+ in the region out of 21 sub-regional market areas, with Eastbourne having the highest and Milton Keynes/South Midlands the lowest. The percentage of those aged 65+ averages across the region at 16.4%. Percentage of Older People Eastbourne Wealden Sussex Coastal area High Weald, Wealden Milton Keynes/South Midlands The Strategy also highlighted that supported housing and the wider health and housing agenda required alignment between resources of revenue funding (including, in particular, Supporting People funding for housing-related support) and the Regional Housing Board s capital funding. Otherwise there is a real risk that the development of sustainable communities (including conversions and refurbishments as well as new build) will be undermined if funding issues are not resolved so that capital and revenue funding go hand-in hand. A key target, set by the Government, is for social landlords to bring all their housing up to the Decent Homes Standard by The Local Strategic Context Wealden District Council s Housing Strategy identifies a number of actions required to improve services to older people. Most significantly the Strategy aims to increase support services to a wider range of tenants in the Council s own housing, one way that this is being done is through Wealden Extended Sheltered Service (WESS) funded through the Supporting People programme. The provision of increasing support services to owner occupiers is also being explored further in conjunction with Supporting People. 8

9 Additionally a sheltered housing review has been undertaken which will result in an action plan being produced to improve the quality of older person s accommodation in Wealden. Another key target impacting most on older people is the Telecare project which is administered by Adult Social care. Wealden District Council participated in a pilot of Telecare two years ago. The Assistive Technology Grant from Department of Health is for 900,000 over two years (2006 to 2008) across the County. East Sussex Supporting People Strategy (updated July 2007) The Supporting People programme funds, regulates and gives strategic direction to housing-related support services for vulnerable adults, including older people. Housing-related support is accepted as those lower levels of practical or emotional support, that do not amount to personal care, that allow vulnerable people to obtain or remain in their own home. The programme works as a partnership of local government, service users, health services, the probation service and support providers. At a local level a Strategic Forum, comprising senior mangers from the six local authorities, four Primary Care Trusts and the Probation Service (Sussex), directs the programme which is administered on behalf of the partnership by East Sussex County Council The strategy sets out the key strategic commissioning aims for the Supporting People programme in East Sussex. These include. pursuing a stronger focus on preventative services; ensuring the outcomes of services maximise the independence of service users; promoting equalities and social including; promoting community safety; and commissioning housing-related support services on the basis of need regardless of housing situation or tenure. It identifies a significant gap in housing-related support services for older people many of whom live in general needs housing but would like the same services as sheltered tenants receive delivered to them in their own home. The Supporting People five year strategy was updated in July 2007 with a new framework for commissioning to ensure wider coverage and greater flexibility of housing-related support services. The model for support services set out in this strategy has been developed in discussion with Supporting People to ensure it is broadly in line with the kind of service model likely to be developed in the future. It is however recognised that this may need to be adapted as wider discussions contribute to a more developed model. To date discussions have recognised that there is a diversity of needs within different groups, such as older people who often have a complex range of needs. Many people may have no support needs apart for short periods such as support around a hospital admission and subsequent discharge. A smaller group, however, have ongoing support needs because of additional physical or mental health issues, these can include dementia, enduring mental health problems, alcohol dependency, and learning disabilities. Models of support service need to allow for this diversity and be sufficiently flexible to meet different needs as they arise or diminish. 9

10 The East Sussex Adult Social care three year plan This plan reflects the national policy agenda emphasising the need to develop more preventative services in partnership with housing, healthcare and voluntary organisations, with an emphasis on intensive home care and community-based services for older people to support people in their own homes. Specifically, the plan aims to help 7000 older people to live at home (compared with 6517 in 2005/6) by 2009/10. An East Sussex Joint Commissioning Strategy for Older People for services to people over 65 is currently being finalised by Services, East Sussex Primary Care Trusts and Housing and will be in place by April The Strategy will inform future service planning and commissioning of care, health, housing and preventative services for older people in the county. In writing the Strategy the priorities highlighted in this and the other individual Locality Housing and Support Strategies in East Sussex (excluding Brighton & Hove City Council) will be drawn upon. The Joint Commissioning Strategy will inform future service planning and commissioning of care, health, housing and preventative services for older people in the county. East Sussex Integrated Sustainable Community Strategy The East Sussex Strategic Partnership brings together different sections of the community - public, private and voluntary sector organisations, community groups and local people - to improve services and the quality of life for all our communities. The Partnership s current strategy Pride of Place, includes a number of priorities relevant to older people in Wealden. One of the priorities of the Strategy is working to improve economic, social and environmental sustainability, thereby improving quality of life. This includes tackling the problems of the most deprived communities; modernising communications (including transport); creating faster and easier access to services; and improving community safety. A specific priority is to improve support services to older people, empowering them to live the way they choose, valuing their skills, expertise and contribution to the community, and ensuring that care is organised around people and not around services. Additionally, every local authority is expected to develop a Community Strategy through wide ranging consultation with local residents and stakeholders. East Sussex Local Area Agreement: (LAA) The new LAA is the delivery arm of the Pride of Place Community Strategy, developed through local strategic partnerships. The East Sussex s Local Area Agreement sets out a range of indicators and targets all of which can only be achieved through partnership working between different agencies. The East Sussex Local Area Agreement was revised in 2008 and covers the period The outcomes and targets most relevant to this strategy are: Percentage of vulnerable people who are supported to maintain independent living (National Indicator 142). This can be monitored by the number of service users who have established or are maintaining independent living, as a percentage of the total number of service users who have been in receipt of Supporting People services. People supported to live independently through social services (NI 136) 10

11 Carers receiving needs assessment or review and a specific carer s service, or advice and information ( NI 135) For 2008/9 the existing reward targets in the original LAA All Together Better are applicable reduce falls (existing LAA target 7.2) increase the number of people supported to live independently at home (exisiting target 9.1) Key messages from Regional, East Sussex and Local Strategies The Sussex coastal region is one of the most deprived parts of SE Region (South East Regional Strategy) Nationally East Sussex has the highest population of people over 80 Reduce reliance on residential care, respond to increasing aspirations (Adult Social Care 3 y ear plan) Enable people to live in high quality, well-designed accommodation and receive care and support at home (Adult Social Care 3 year plan) New developments to be done in partnerships between Health, Housing, Adult Social care and the independent sector Improve the experience of service users Engage older people in the development of local services Improve health outcomes for East Sussex residents Improved wellbeing and choice for older people and those living with long-term conditions Reduce hospital admissions and delayed discharges Target Supporting People on people in greatest need Increase floating support services Promote the development of Assistive Technology 11

12 2 Background on Wealden & Rural issues 2.1 Background: Wealden is situated in East Sussex and is the largest District in East Sussex covering 323 square miles. Wealden is home to some 143,000 people (2006 population estimate, East Sussex in Figures). Approximately half the population live in the district s five main towns: Crowborough, Hailsham, Heathfield, Polegate and Uckfield. The rest of the district is predominantly rural and consists of 37 parishes. Additionally: The High Weald and Sussex Downs Areas of Outstanding natural Beauty cover more than two thirds of the District. Wealden has 34 conservation areas, 32 sites of special scientific interest and more than 2,500 listed buildings Map of the Government Office Region showing Authority boundaries and shaded by Output Area according to the urban / rural definition e 2001 Census highlighted that in Wealden 48% of households are in rural areas compared to the 22.4% average in the South East region. Th 26% of rural households are single person of which 64% are pensioners (63% of the urban single person households in Wealden are pensioners). 13% of all urban households are pensioner households and 14% in rural Wealden. This is not in line with the national trend (seen below) where a 12

13 higher percentage of older people are living higher in rural areas as oppose to urban locations. As can be seen from the chart below in rural Wealden 7.6% of the population living in rural areas are aged 70+. Age Total Urban Rural Under 10 33,104 17,339 7, to 19 16,877 8,621 8, to 29 10,526 6,004 4, to 39 18,605 10,218 8, ,524 9,557 9, to 59 20,869 9,684 11, to 69 15,612 7,594 8, to 79 13,108 6,737 6, to 89 7,412 3,885 3, and over 1, ,257 71,821 68,436 Source: Census 2001 In rural Wealden 82.9% of households live in owned accommodation, 6.2% live in social rented accommodation and 7.9% live in private rented accommodation. 6 In urban Wealden 83.8% of households live in owned accommodation, 9.4% live in social rented accommodation and 5.2% live in private rented accommodation National Picture Rural issues Since Wealden is predominantly rural it is necessary to look at the impact of this on older people: Key issues identified in the Affordable Rural Housing Commission (ARCH) report that are of particular concern for older People 8 The lack of affordable housing undermines the sustainability of rural communities, by breaking up traditional family and social networks which help provide for intergenerational support. Increasingly one generation is less able to support one another e.g. childcare responsibilities or shopping for elderly relatives. Without family networks older people become more reliant on support services to provide low level support such as gardening or help with shopping. This support often needs to be provided by paid workers whose low wages means that many cannot afford to live in rural areas. Whilst the majority of older people wish to remain independent in their homes, ARHC highlighted that there some older people living in homes which no longer meet their needs either due to ill heath/disability or the cost of their upkeep, yet these people were unable to move to more suitable accommodation because it is not available in their local community Census Census 8 ARHC July

14 ARHC identified the need to explore and promote specific approaches to provide a range of affordable housing which offers older people in rural areas extra care, independence and choice. ARHC highlights the importance of ensuring that the implementation of, and funding of, the government s Supporting People agenda in local authorities takes into account the needs of the ageing rural population and that the additional costs of delivering support services in rural areas is recognised in local authority spending allocations. The Ageing Countryside: National Context The research found that the proportion of older people in England s rural areas is significantly higher than in urban areas, with 31.5% of the rural population is aged 55 or over, compared to 27.9% in urban areas. It is forecast to be a trend that is likely to continue, as more people move to the countryside for quality of life reasons in their 40s and 50s and stay on into retirement. Demographic change has significant implications for housing policy, particularly as it corresponds with a major shift to owner occupation. National findings based on Census information highlight that the increase in percentage of owner occupation over the twenty year period from 1981 are higher among older people and in rural areas where 81% of over 55 years olds are owner occupiers compared to 73% in urban areas (Census 2001). This has created an increasing need or wish of many more people to be supported to live in their homes, despite problems relating to ill health or disability. Further research which highlights other areas of concern impacting on older people and the rural housing agenda: Many older households are asset rich but income poor, this means that many have problems with property maintenance and funding adaptations which would significantly enhance their quality of life. Better support for older people to explore equity release schemes and shared ownership schemes could play a role. Transport is one of the most significant issues facing older people in the countryside and has a knock on effect in terms of helping sustain housing options in rural areas. Strategies must adopt a holistic approach to housing to embrace other aspects of daily living in which transport and access is a critical factor. Low level support and preventative care are of particular importance in rural areas to enable older people to remain in their home. Informal help from neighbours, friends and family is often a main source of support, whilst formal help is provided by voluntary sector agencies. The importance of these support schemes in enabling older people to retain their independence needs to be given greater emphasis. Innovative solutions are required such as the development of generic care workers who are able to take on a range of tasks. The housing option service is primarily used by those who need to consider their housing options primarily due to poor health, access or mobility problems or home maintenance issues and has been particularly valuable to people aged 80 and over. 14

15 The preferred option is for people to stay in their existing homes for as long as possible. In rural areas supporting this option through adaptations, repairs and practical help is even more critical as it enables older people to retain their important local support network. Lack of suitable housing options and support services hampers the ability of many older people planning to move, especially in rural areas. In rural areas there is a lack of suitable housing to purchase even for those with moderate equity - so many who move go from owner occupied into social rented housing particularly sheltered housing. There is an unmet demand for general housing which is well located, adaptable and has adequate space standards. Design is a key factor in meeting the future needs of an ageing population, particularly in rural areas with limited new housing stock. National Research Key messages The proportion of older people in rural areas is significantly higher than in urban areas and this trend is likely to continue There is a higher percentage of owner occupiers aged 55+ in rural areas than in urban areas 1 in 10 pensioners rely solely on state pensions and other benefits Between 2001/02 and 2004/05 new affordable homes in rural areas has increased by just 3% whereas in urban areas there has been an increase of 22% There is a lack of availability of accommodation suitable for older people in rural areas Low level support and preventative care is particularly important in rural areas to enable older people to remain in their own home 15

16 3 Consultation 3.1 What people want National evidence National research indicates that as people age their homes become more significant in defining their identity and shaping their lives. Most surveys show that the majority of people want to remain in their own homes as they age. A study by Counsel & Care 9 showed 82% of respondents wishing to remain in their own homes. Other surveys show similar figures of between 77% - 80%. Not only are people less willing and likely to move home in older age but they also spend proportionately more time within the home 10 Research also suggests that the number of people who plan and act in advance to avoid housing difficulties is low. A significant finding from the Life Force study carried out by Age Concern in 2004 is the tendency not to link the desire for maintaining independence (ranked as the number one concern for people now and in the future) with the need to think about the impact of their current housing on this priority ( the availability of suitable housing was ranked only seventeen). When asked to predict the situation in 20 years time, a large proportion of people felt there would be more demand for housing choice. This suggests that expressed demand is not a good indicator of actual demand. However, the Department of Health indicates a growth in demand by older people for Extra Care Housing for rent or sale. 11 Key messages from older people about their housing preferences in later life 12 are as follows:- Housing should be well designed with growing older in mind adaptable houses for life Older people must be involved in planning future housing options and housing design and have choices to enable them to make decisions and take control of their lives More funding needs to be made available to improve and adapt private housing, backed up by reliable repairs and maintenance Housing must be accessible to good local transport, facilities and amenities Older people need more space that is able to meet their needs, not less. This means 2 not 1-bedroom properties both for single and couple households and rooms need to be larger with good storage. 13 People want real choice, based on access to information and a range of housing options Sheltered housing units are experienced as too small and not allowing people to live normally, have family and friends to stay, maintain privacy and move around safely Housing Choices in Old Age. Counsel & Care and the Dept of Applied Social Science at Lancaster University, Building Our Futures: p16 11 Department of Health 2004, ExtraCare Housing for Older People: an introduction for commissioners. London 12 Older People s Strategies; taking account of Older People s views Housing and Older People Development Group Planning for Smaller Households, summary of Housing requirements of the retired population Anglia Polytechnic University, Our Homes, Our life, choice in later life living arrangements. Centre for Policy on Ageing and Housing Corporation

17 The Counsel & Care study (op.cit) reflects the influence local environment has on people s housing decisions. Reductions in public transport, anti-social behaviour, rundown appearance, a lack of parking spaces close to home or pavements suitable for manoeuvring motorised scooters are all factors making people wish to move. Other research suggests that the majority of older people have no preference to live in communities exclusively for people of the same age 15 as long as their anxieties about safety and accessibility are addressed. National research and consultation Key messages Most older people do not think about future housing needs Older people must be involved in planning future housing options and housing design and have choices to enable them to make decisions and take control of their lives More funding needs to be made available to improve and adapt private housing, backed up by reliable repairs and maintenance Housing should be well designed with those growing older in mind -adaptable houses for life /Lifetime homes Housing must be accessible to good local transport, facilities and amenities People want real choice, based on access to information and a range of housing options 3.2 Local consultation East Sussex During the summer of 2006, a series of consultation meetings looking at the housing and housing-related support needs were held in East Sussex, with two in Wealden, one in the north (Uckfield) and the other in the south (Hailsham) of the district. Similar sessions were held during 2007 in Hastings and in Rother. The results of these sessions generally mirrored exactly the national results described above. The importance of maintaining maximum independence and the factors which contribute to that - accessible housing, mixed communities, sufficient accommodation space for continued family and social life and information about possible options were all rated as top priorities. Those who attended were mostly retired and reflected the view that most older people do not think about future housing needs. 3.3 Wealden District Council Housing Needs Survey The 2005 survey included face-to-face interviews with 120 older people across the survey area of East Sussex and Brighton & Hove, and whilst their responses do not apply solely to Wealden, they are indicative of the views of older people in the area (A copy of this can be downloaded at 15 Planning for the Majority, the needs and aspirations of older people in general housing. Joseph Rowntree Foundation/Nigel Appleton,

18 In terms of problems encountered in their existing home they were either support related or mobility related with over 30% experiencing problems decorating, 12% with gardening, 28% with using the bathroom and 8% with climbing up stairs. The housing needs survey indicates that the majority of older people would prefer a bungalow rather than a flat, and nearly all require at least one separate bedroom, with many requiring two bedrooms to enable friends and family to stay. There is also clear evidence that the needs and aspirations of older people have changed considerably since many retirement housing schemes were developed in the 1960s and 1970s. Today, more than 50% of older people are car owners and they require parking for themselves and their visitors. The survey asked respondents to identify the features of Extra Care housing that they would most value. Their responses were as follows: Valued features of Extra Care housing:- Feature % respondents who say the feature will benefit them Improved security 100% Having other people around 93.1% The warden or manager 100% The care and support team 96.6% Not worrying about home or 100% garden maintenance Meals 93.1% Source: Wealden Housing Needs Survey, David Couttie Associates 2005 The survey did not of course investigate whether Extra Care housing was needed by those people indicating an interest, but this type of housing clearly has a good degree of appeal. However, the important impacts on liking their current neighbourhood were quality of neighbourhood, familiarity of neighbourhood and peace and quiet. These are important when planning for housing for older people. Rural Housing Needs Survey 2004 The survey showed a clear correlation between those wanting retirement housing and those villages that had existing council owned sheltered schemes, such as Forest Row, Buxted, Wadhurst and Westham. There was a higher demand for retirement housing over sheltered reflecting the national picture that older people want independence as long as possible. Additionally there was an aspiration for support services including access to a scheme manager, care alarms and daily/regular visits regardless of people s choice of accommodation type and tenure (see appendix 2 for more information). 3.4 Consultation with residents of Wealden District Council A survey of 545 people (of whom 16% were over pensionable age) undertaken in Wealden in September 2004 for the Crime and Disorder Partnership found that 72% of respondents rated Wealden as a safer place than the rest of the country and 50% rated it safer than the rest of the county. The most commonly reported concern (31% of the sample) cited young people causing a nuisance as a problem. 18

19 Additionally there is a Sheltered Housing Information Exchange which meets twice a year with all residents of Wealden owned sheltered housing invited. It is an opportunity to share information and for residents to ask questions to officers of the Council. A new residents group has recently been formed called Sheltered Housing Residents Group. The group contains a representative from each of the council s owned sheltered housing schemes who meet on a monthly basis. One of the roles of the group will be to get involved in the sheltered housing review process. 3.5 Annual Housing Summit event 2007 In the summer of 2007 Wealden District Council held there annual housing event which was attended by over 80 stakeholders. The focus of the day was Planning for our Future. During discussions the needs of the ageing population were highlighted, with the following issues raised: Need to provide at least 2 bed units including bungalows, with no more bedsits. Extra care schemes provide a range of facilities (restaurant, hairdresser, bar etc etc) this is a positive step forward, but must be attractive to younger, older people to provide a mixed community with people living there for longer, and bringing a lively and vibrant lifestyle into the scheme. It will also ensure they do not have to move when they become more frail. Developments need to have a mix of tenures and property types so that schemes have a balance of ages and family types this will help to build community spirit. Need to encourage older people to move out of their larger houses when their families leave home incentives needed, and also the supply of good quality smaller homes for people to move into as they become older. There was some dislike of retirement villages. Accommodation for older people is needed throughout the district to enable people to remain near their connections. Older people do not necessarily want sheltered housing anymore. 19

20 Key Facts at a Regional and Local Level Maintaining maximum independence is important Older people want support to enable them to remain in their own homes which includes: care alarms and gardening/decorating etc Space is required to enable family and friends to stay Housing needs to be accessible as many older people have mobility problems 50% of older people are car owners All housing regardless of tenure should be built to Lifetime Homes at standards to enable people to stay put Telecare products need to be available to people in their homes as well as in specialist housing There needs to be more innovative thinking to develop a range of options for people to stay in their own homes, including homeshare and floating support available to those eligible regardless of where they live in the District and whether they own or rent their home. 20

21 4 Demand forecasting for Older People in Wealden 4. 1 Key Demographic Indicators The analysis of need in the section below is based on Census data and findings from Building Our Futures published in February Population and population projections For East Sussex East Sussex has a higher proportion of people aged 65 years and over, (with over 25% of the population being of pensionable age compared to 18% nationally) than the rest of the country. East Sussex generally has less people in the age group than the national average the proportion of people aged 85 years and over in the county (those most likely to require health and social care services) is 3.6% against an average of 2% for the country as a whole. Almost 60% of one person households are pensioners living alone. Retirement migration is approximately 12% across the county. In Wealden of the 140,023 people (as at 2001 Census) living in the district 21.1% were over retirement age, 10.7% aged 75+ and 3.1% aged 85+. As Fig 1 below indicates that there is a steady increase in the over 70 population throughout the next 20 years, with a significant increase from 2016 onwards. Figure 1: Wealden - trend based population projections Persons (x1000) Age Ranges It is worth noting that the population trends for both males and females show similar trends in Wealden. However, whilst the male population is virtually static between , there is a noticeable rise for females in the same period, with a marked 16 Building Our Futures: Meeting the Housing Needs of an Ageing Population. International Longevity Centre Uk. London

22 rise in the period. Between this period the number of females is set to rise by The Housing Needs Survey 2005 using 2003 based Office of national Statistics (ONS) sub-national projections supplied by East Sussex County Council and taking into consideration 2001 Census data indicated that the population in Wealden would increase by 15.5% or 21,800 people by Age band Predicted increase up to 2026 (in people) Over 65 17, % 80+ 5, % , % , % Same increase as a percentage of the current population The current generation of babyboomers form what is termed as rising elderly As indicated in Fig 2 below, ESCC generally has less people in the age group than the national average and Eastbourne has least of all. Fig 2 shows that the population over 45 sees an increase from 2006 until 2021, when there is a decline. Life Expectancy of People All People Males Females England/Wales South East Eastbourne Hastings Lewes Rother

23 Wealden Census It is clear from the Table that both men and women living in Wealden have a greater life expectancy that else where in East Sussex, followed closely by Lewes, with women on average living longer than men. However, within Wealden there are wide variations at ward level in life expectancy with people in Mayfield having the highest life expectancy at 85.6 years and Hailsham East at 79.9 years having the lowest life expectancy of all those living in Wealden (Joint Strategic Needs Assessment 2008, based upon data).it is worth noting that there has been an increase of 2.6 years of those living in Hailsham East since 2001 Census. Where older people live The table below shows the towns/parishes with the highest concentrations of older people aged 65+ as per the 2001 Census: All People as a percentage of the parish population Wealden 140,023 29,576 21% East Dean 2, % Polegate south 2, % Polegate north 4,713 1,601 34% Willingdon 7,184 2,429 34% However, if we look at physical numbers the parishes/towns with the highest numbers of people aged 65+ as per the 2001 are: All People Numbers aged 65+ Wealden 140,023 29,576 Hailsham 8,260 2,870 Crowborough 7,892 2,092 Uckfield 5,535 1,320 Heathfield & 4,719 1,396 Waldron Polegate 3,937 1,907 Increase in Older people by sex and ward In addition, the table below shows where greatest increase of people aged 65+ are predicted to be in 2012, based upon percentage increase and not actual numbers. These figures are based upon work undertaken by the Primary Care Trust through the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment 23

24 Increase in Male Population, 2012 Projections Ward Ninfield/ Hooe/ Wartling Predicted Predicted Predicted Predicted Predicted Increase percentage Increase percentage Increase in increase in increase in numbers at 2012 numbers at 2012 numbers at 2012 at 2012 at Predicted percentage increase at 2012 Framfield Uckfield Ridgewood Uckfield Central Herstmonceux Crowborough Jarvis Brook In all wards there is predicted to be an increase in the number of men aged 65+, 75+ and 85+ at Increase in Female Population, 2012 Projections Ward Predicted Increase in numbers Predicted percentage increase at 2012 Predicted Increase in numbers Predicted percentage increase at 2012 Predicted Increase in numbers Predicted percentage increase at 2012 at 2012 at 2012 at 2012 Chiddingly and East Hoathly Hartfield Cross In Hand/ Five Ashes In all wards there is predicted to be an increase in the number of women aged 65+ and 85+ at However, in all wards there will be a decrease of women aged 75+ with the highest decrease in Crowborough St Johns at 5.63% and the lowest decrease in Heathfield East at 4.13%. 24

25 Household composition for pensioners All All One One family Other Households pensioners person & no households: only households pensioners others: All pensioners All pensioners East Sussex 214,638 70,105 (33%) 41,088 (59%*) 27,612 (39%*) 1,405 (2%*) Eastbourne 40,918 14,169 (35%) 8,901 (63%*) 4,945 (35%*) 323 (2%*) Hastings 37,604 9,651 (26%) 6,316 (65%*) 3,133 (33%*) 202 (2%*) Lewes 39,728 13,123 (33%) 7,565 (58%*) 5,324 (40%) 234 (2%*) Rother 38,114 15,047 (39%) 8,413 (56%*) 6,342 (42%*) 292 (2%*) Wealden 58,274 18,115 (31%) 9,893 (55%*) 7,868 (43%*) 354 (2%*) The table above shows that Wealden has the largest population in East Sussex (2001 Census). *as a percentage of all pensioners only households Migration patterns All People East Sussex 3, ,100 1,300 1, Eastbourne 1, Hastings Lewes Rother 1, Wealden Census The table above shows that migration is greatest in Rother, then Eastbourne followed by Wealden, with Wealden having the highest inward migration into the district of those aged 45-64, as well as the highest outward migration of those aged The key issue here is that Wealden and Rother have the highest inward migration of those aged 65+ which will have an impact on housing and support services in the district. 25

26 SIGNIFICANT DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION ABOUT WEALDEN It is predicted that there will be a 57.5% increase in those aged 65+ in Wealden up to 2026 with the largest increase in those aged 80+ at 59.8% People living in Wealden have a greater life expectancy than those living elsewhere in the County Polegate South has the highest percentage of those aged 65+ of all Towns & Parishes in Wealden Wealden along with Rother District Council has the highest levels of inward migration of those aged 65+ years. 4.2 Deprivation 17 The South East has 77 of the 10% most deprived areas England. The South East has 5,319 areas in total with just over 1% of all these being within the 10% most deprived. The most deprived Super Output Areas (SOA) are concentrated in some of the coastal resorts of the South East, such as Brighton and Hove, Thanet, Portsmouth and Hastings. On the other hand just under a quarter (1,317) of the South East areas are in the 10% least deprived group. The South East has the lowest percentage in the country by region of older people living in income deprived households at 11.02% (176,541) followed by the South West at 12.59% with London having the highest at 20.9%. Within East Sussex Wealden is the least deprived District in East Sussex with only 11.3% of the population on low incomes. When ranking the 11 wards of East Sussex Hailsham East is ranked 11 th (with 1 being the most deprived - Indices of Deprivation 2000). The least deprived wards in Wealden (as of 2004) are Uckfield Ridgewood, followed by Crowborough North. Although Wealden District is generally quite affluent, such a statement disguises pockets of income deprivation. Research carried out highlights the percentage of older people affected by income deprivation. Based upon the Indices of Multiple Deprivation 2004 within Wealden District:- Hailsham East ward suffers from the highest levels of older people affected by income deprivation at 18.52% Uckfield New Town ward ranks high within Wealden as does Horam East Dean ranks the lowest with 2.16% of older people affected by income deprivation 17 Wealth of the Nation, quoted in The Argus Oct