Hart s Older Persons Housing Strategy 2011-14 Helping local people find housing solutions Final Version Date: May 2011
Contents Introduction 3 Objective 1: Deliver a choice of good quality housing for older people 4 Objective 2: Make the best use of technology to enhance quality of life for older people 7 Objective 3: Enable older people to stay living independently in their homes 8 Objective 4: Provide housing advice and information for older people 10 Conclusion 11 Glossary 11 Supporting Documents For more information around this strategy please see: Hart s Housing Strategy 2011-14 Evidence Base www.hart.gov.uk/hs-eb2011-14.pdf A supporting document providing the evidence base used to inform this strategy The table below shows the related sub-strategies involved in the delivery plan: Housing Strategy Preventing Homelessness Strategy Private Sector Housing Strategy Older Persons Housing Strategy Rural Housing Strategy www.hart.gov.uk/hs-hs2011-14.pdf www.hart.gov.uk/hs-phs2011-14.pdf www.hart.gov.uk/hs-pshs2011-14.pdf www.hart.gov.uk/hs-ophs2011-14.pdf www.hart.gov.uk/hs-rhs2011-14.pdf Evidence Base Evidence collected for this strategy includes population projections, demographic changes, housing need, demand and aspirations for older people and housing stock available in Hart. The key facts and figures that should be taken into account in developing the Older Persons Housing Strategy, based on evidence at national, county and district level are: 17% of the total population of Hampshire are aged 65+ By 2026 the number of people aged 85+ in Hart will more than double There will be a decline in the economically active population in the district Most sheltered housing in the social rented sector no longer meets current requirements 21% of sheltered housing for social rent is let to older people moving into the district Consultation This strategy has been produced in consultation with local stakeholders and partner organisations. The Older Persons Well-being Event and the Annual Housing Forum provided an opportunity to collect the views of partners, stakeholders and local residents to inform the development of the draft Older Persons Housing Strategy. Responses to further consultation on the draft will be taken into account in the final document.
Introduction The Hart Housing Strategy 2011-2014 sets out the actions that the District Council and its partners will take to meet the housing objectives and aspirations of local residents. It replaces the 2008-2011 Strategy. A Strategic Framework The Older Persons Housing Strategy is a sub-strategy of the overall Housing Strategy 2011-2014. It takes into account national, regional and local policy context and evidence to set the strategic aims, to meet the housing needs and aspirations of older people in Hart. Four objectives have been identified to improve the quality and quantity of housing and housing related services for older people in the district. Objective 1: Deliver a choice of good quality housing for older people Objective 2: Make the best use of technology to enhance quality of life for older people Objective 3: Enable older people to stay living independently in their homes Objective 4: Provide housing advice and information for older people It includes actions required to meet the four objectives. After consultation has been completed, the actions identified will be included in the final strategy. These actions will form the basis of the Council s work on older persons housing for the next three years. For the purposes of this strategy, the Council defines anyone over the age of sixty as an older person, in line with the Hampshire-wide definition. Policy context The national, regional and local policy documents set out key themes to help address the housing needs and aspirations of older people and an increasing ageing population. A list of these documents is attached at Appendix 2. These have been taken into account in developing Hart s Older Persons Housing Strategy. From the policy documents it can be concluded that: New build schemes for older people should be accessible, easily adaptable and built to improved space standards, preferably with two bedrooms; Older people should be helped to stay living independently in their own homes if that is their choice, through the effective use of assisted technology, community-based support services and help with repairs, adaptations and maintenance; Advice and information to older people should be extended and the availability of home improvement agency services, grants and other initiatives, in particular to improve energy efficiency, should be promoted; A variety of housing types should be provided to meet the needs of the older population, including extra care housing as an alternative to residential care; Good quality neighbourhoods are important in creating places where people want to live; Better use should be made of the existing housing stock by freeing up under used family homes currently occupied by older people; The provision of community hubs (Housing our Ageing Population Panel for Innovation - HAPPI) should be explored; Equity release schemes should be developed to help older owner occupiers to pay for essential works required to enable them to stay in their homes; and Agencies should co-ordinate their efforts and work in partnership to meet the housing needs of older people 3 12
Objective 1: Deliver a choice of good quality housing for older people Provide a range of housing options for older people A range of housing options are available specifically for older people in Hart. These include housing for older people, sheltered housing, enhanced sheltered housing, Extra Care housing, care homes and leasehold accommodation for older people. The definitions can be found in the glossary. Provide a range of housing options for older people Consult with older people to find out what housing and support they need and want in the future A range of housing options for older people are available by March 2014 A range of housing and support services to meet future needs following consultation as part of the Supporting People review. Provide incentives to residents to help reduce under-occupation Many people choose to stay living in their family homes as they get older. In the social rented stock, where the supply of housing is limited and demand is increasing, it is essential that the best use is made of the existing stock. The council is working with housing association partners through a targeted approach to encourage residents who are under occupying social rented housing to move to smaller accommodation if it would better meet their housing needs. A range of housing options are required to meet the needs and aspirations of the older population. Develop ways to encourage under occupiers to downsize to smaller accommodation At least 10 under occupying older person households move to accommodation that better meets their needs each year by March 2014. Develop a Help to Move pack for older people A Help to Move pack is available by October 2011. Improve existing sheltered housing schemes A significant proportion of sheltered housing for rent in Hart is owned and managed by Sentinel Housing Association. Some schemes, including those that provide bed-sits and shared bathrooms, are becoming increasingly difficult to let as the needs and aspirations of older people change. Sentinel HA has completed a review of their stock and plans to replace or improve many of their schemes. The first phase of redevelopment started in 2009, with the demolition of Campbell Close and Curtis Court to make way for an Extra Care scheme and a new housing development for older people, both of which are due to open in 2011. Support housing providers to review and make improvements to their sheltered housing stock Continue to reduce the number of bed-sit flats in sheltered housing Housing for older people better meets the current and future needs and aspirations of older people in Hart by March 2014 Provide sheltered housing that meets the needs and aspirations of older people 4 12
Increase tenure choices for older people Hanover Housing Association manages sheltered housing at Fiske Court in Yateley. In October 2010, existing tenants at Fiske Court were offered the opportunity to buy their homes at a discounted rate. Hanover has established a waiting list of potential buyers and one in every four vacancies at the schemes is now offered for sale. Extending tenure choice in similar schemes may attract new residents who wish to retain a property interest, but cannot afford to access the leasehold schemes in the private sector. Explore options to increase tenure choices for older people. A range of tenure options for older people to better meet their needs and aspirations by March 2013 Protect tenancies for life for older people New legislation to be introduced by the Localism Bill will enable housing providers to offer new affordable rent tenancies on shorter terms. To provide the maximum security and peace of mind to older people, the council will seek to retain social rented tenancies for life for those over 60. This will be included in the council s strategic policy on tenancies from April 2012 onwards. Consult on the retention of lifelong tenancies for older people in Hart s tenancy strategy A new tenancy strategy is in place by April 2012 Deliver new housing for older people to meet needs All new housing built specifically for older people is expected to meet the standards set out in Part M of the Building Regulations. The standards include wider doorways to enable wheelchair access, kitchen and bathroom layouts to suit those with limited mobility, level access showers and other design features that make adaptation easier and help a resident remain in their own home. New housing for older people should be part of mixed communities and developed in sustainable locations, close to shops and facilities and take account of their impact on the local social infrastructure, including health and social care services. Deliver new housing for older people that is designed and built to meet future needs and aspirations New housing for older people is designed and built to meet the future needs and aspirations of older people. 5 12
Provide housing solutions for older people with dementia As well as a significant increase in the ageing population, there is expected to be an increase in the number of older people with dementia. The national strategy for dementia identifies its key priorities as raising awareness, early diagnosis and quality of care. Housing, housing-related services and assisted technology have an important part to play in supporting older people with dementia. Work with housing providers to investigate housing provision for people with dementia Housing provision for people with dementia has been investigated Provide community hubs to support older people in the local community Community hubs provide a focus for services for older people in a local community and are generally located in older persons housing schemes. Hubs can help older people who live in the locality to meet other people, take part in social activities, access support and feel less isolated. They can give older people the chance to experience what it might be like to live in a scheme before deciding whether to move. Make sure that the community hub at Campbell Close meets its potential Consider the use of sheltered housing schemes to provide community hubs Campbell Close provides an active and vibrant community hub for the local community of older people by March 2012 At least one other community hub has been established by March 2014 6 12
Objective 2: Make the best use of technology to enhance quality of life for older people Existing technology solutions that older people know about Telecare is a communication system, previously known as a community alarm, enables older people to summon help at any time. Immediate contact with a local centre provides security when it is needed and helps older people to manage the risks of living alone and continue to live independently in their own homes. Telecare provision in Hart is funded through the Supporting People programme and provided by Sentinel HA and Testway Support. There are currently more than 500 people across the district with telecare alarms in their homes. Promote telecare to older people in Hart An increase in the number of older people receiving a telecare service by March 2012. New technology that can effectively support to older people in their homes In addition to the 24-hour alarm service, other assistive technology can help older people to stay at home. Additional sensors can be added to an existing telecare system, such as fall detectors and movement sensors, to keep older people safe at home for longer. Investigate and promote new technology to provide effective support to older people Older people know about new technology options that can help them stay in their homes by March 2013. Improve access to the internet for tenants in sheltered housing Last year the Government set up the Get Digital programme to help close the digital gap between older people and technology. Enabling older people to access the internet helps to support their independence and provides access to information that can help them make informed choices. New housing provision will provide IT facilities with internet access for residents. Increase access to the internet for older people in sheltered housing An increase in the number of older people with access to the internet in sheltered housing by March 2014. 7 12
Objective 3: Enable older people to stay living independently in their homes Provide Disabled Facilities Grant (DFGs) DFGs are means-tested mandatory grants payable to older and disabled people to fund essential adaptations to their home, recommended by Occupational Therapists. With an ageing population, the demand for DFGs is likely to increase and it will be a challenge to meet need with limited resources. In 2011/12, the budget for DFGs is 560,000 and is expected to deliver 55-60 grants. In recent years, about 80% of applicants have been over 60 years old. Project Adapt is a Hampshire County Council (HCC) initiative aimed at streamlining the process for administering DFGs. A consultation event was held in June to look at ways of improving delivery. Pilots are due to be set up to trial the new process and this is expected to be implemented across the county in 2012. Until that time, HDC will continue to work with the occupational therapists and the Home Improvement Agency to administer DFGs. Provide DFGs to assist older people to remain in their homes Ensure that RP partners fund aids and adaptations for older people Reduce the costs associated with DFGs At least 55 DFGs are administered to older people in Hart by March 2012 Aids and adaptations are provided by RP partners Costs are reduced through improved procurement Support the Home Improvement Agency (HIA) In Hart, the HIA is provided by In Touch, part of the Hyde Group. The agency offers advice to older, vulnerable and disabled people to help them remain in their own homes, with security and independence, by arranging for home improvements, repairs and adaptations to be carried out. Contributions to HIAs across Hampshire are expected to be reduced, but the service will be maintained in Hart. The Handyperson service, managed by the HIA, provides a low cost home repair service for over 60 s and disabled people. Provide a home improvement service in Hart Make sure older people know about the Handyperson service and encourage them to use it At least 30 older people receive a service from the HIA An increase in the number of older people who know about the service Encourage take-up of equity loans to fund home improvements Hart is one of the most affluent areas in the country and home ownership among older people is high compared to the national and regional average. By the time many older people retire, they own their homes without a mortgage. Although they may be equity rich, low pension incomes may make them cash poor and unable to afford the cost of repairing and maintaining their properties. Equity loans offer an opportunity for older people in this situation to access finance to help with these costs, enabling them to improve their homes. Hart District Council is part of the Surrey and Hampshire Improvement Partnership (SHIP) and has been working with South Coast Money Line to offer Home Trust Loans to home owners for essential 8 12
repairs, improvement and adaptation, where they do not have the capital or savings available to carry out the work. Last year, five loans were offered to residents in Hart. Provide information to older people about Home Trust loans to help fund the cost of essential repairs and maintenance to their homes as an alternative to grants At least 5 equity loans are offered to older people for essential works by March 2012. Promote insulation schemes Effective partnerships have been developed with energy suppliers, insulation companies and Warm Front, who can provide insulation and central heating, at no cost to the Council. Warm Front is a government-funded scheme providing grants for those who own their own homes or rent from a private landlord and are in receipt of qualifying benefits, to make homes warmer and more energy efficient, by providing energy efficiency advice and a range of insulation, such as loft insulation and draught proofing, and heating improvements. Hampshire County Council is planning to introduce a county-wide insulation programme that will provide grant assistance to help all home owners and private renters to improve the energy efficiency of their homes. Promote Warm Front and other insulation schemes to Hart residents Increase the take-up of insulation schemes by older people to improve the energy efficiency of the housing stock At least 5 articles or promotional events are held each year More than 300 older households access insulation schemes to improve the energy efficiency of their homes Make the best use of adapted properties The Council holds a register of social rented properties with adaptations in the district so that the best use can be made of the existing housing stock when vacancies occur. Adaptations include level access showers, through-floor lifts and ground floor extensions. The list enables adapted properties to be clearly advertised to ensure that priority can be given to people who need specific adaptations. Keep the list of adapted properties up-to-date to ensure the best match of applicants to adaptations Best use is made of adapted properties in Hart Provide a Community Support Service In Hart, community support services funded by Supporting People are provided by Sentinel HA and Testway Support, to older people across all tenures. The service is tailored to meet the housing support needs of the individual, on a long-term or short-term basis, and flexible so that levels of support can be varied as required. The service can help older people to maintain their tenancies, claim benefits, keep healthy and maximise their independence. Provide community support service for older people Community support services continue to be provided for older people in Hart by March 2012 9 12
Objective 4: Provide housing advice and information for older people Increase use of choice-based lettings by older people in housing need In March 2007, the council implemented a choice based letting (CBL) scheme, to give Housing Register applicants the chance to choose which properties they would like to be considered for. Older people have more difficulty using CBL than other applicants and may need advice and support to enable them to bid. Increase the number of older people on the Housing Register bidding each week CBL is of greater benefit to older people in meeting their housing needs Signpost older people to other housing and housing-related services To provide information about housing and support services to older people in Hart and help them make informed housing choices, a Directory of Accommodation and Care for Older People was published. This has been updated regularly, but much of the information is also available elsewhere. Older people have expressed a preference to access information in paper form, rather than via the internet. Consult with local older people to find out if an updated directory would be helpful. Signpost to appropriate sources of advice for older people A new directory is printed if required. Older people are able to access appropriate advice. Support older people in receiving individualised services Personalisation is the process by which Hampshire County Council Adult Services provide tailored services to meet the specific needs of an individual, through individual budgets. The council expects housing providers to support the specific needs of individuals in different housing settings. However, in Extra Care housing, residents will be expected to accept the care and support provided by the onsite care provider when they move to the scheme. Understand the impact of personalisation on housing and housing services Housing providers understand personalisation Contribute to the Supporting People Older Persons Service Review In February 2011, Hampshire County Council Supporting People started a review of their older persons services. The council will take an active part in the review to ensure that the needs of older people in the district are taken into account in decisions affecting future provision. Take part in Supporting People Older Persons Service Review Involvement in the service review 10 12
Conclusion The Older Persons Housing Strategy is an important part of the overall Housing Strategy 2011-2014. With a significant increase in the number of older people in Hart in the future, the council needs to set out how it will meet the needs of this growing population and measures how it achieves positive outcomes for its residents. The actions identified in the Older Persons Housing Strategy will be included in the Housing Strategy Delivery Plan and monitored as described below. Monitoring and Review In order to ensure that this Strategy and Delivery Plan meet the key objectives and actions it will be reviewed and monitored regularly. The Delivery Plan will be monitored on a quarterly basis by the Housing Services Team as well as with Councillors through Service Plan and Overview & Scrutiny meetings. In addition, every year the Housing Service holds a Housing Forum to report on the services progress to partners and stakeholders. This provides an excellent opportunity for attendees to give their views and feedback which helps shape the housing service for the following year. Glossary Term Older Persons housing Sheltered housing Enhanced sheltered housing Extra-care housing Leasehold accommodation Shared ownership Housing related support Handyperson service Fuel poverty Telecare Assistive technology Community hubs Meaning Accommodation available for over 55s only. Accommodation designed for over 60s with communal facilities and support services. This is similar to the sheltered housing but with enhanced support and some elements of care. Accommodation designed to meet the needs of frailer older people, offering varying amounts of care and support. It is also known as very sheltered housing, housing with care, assisted living and close care. Accommodation for over 60s provided by private developers to meet the needs of older homeowners who wish to purchase their own home. Accommodation offered by housing associations on a part-buy, part-rent basis. Support provided to older people to enable them to continue to live independently in their own home. Scheme to provide help with gardening and minor repairs. Any household that would spend more than 10% of its net income on heating and hot water in order to maintain a healthy temperature in the home Communication system to summon help at the press of a button, fitted in your home or worn around your neck or wrist Technology that assists people to have their independence in their own home. E.g. fall detectors and mobile sensors Provides a focus for services available to the local older people community based with the sheltered scheme Further information and contact details If you would like more information on the Housing Strategy or its sub-strategies please contact the housing service on the details below. Housing Services, Hart District Council, Civic Offices, Harlington Way, Fleet, Hampshire, GU51 4AE Tel: 01252 774420 Email: housing.services@hart.gov.uk Website: www.hart.gov.uk www.harthomes.org.uk 11 12
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