Ministers in England are supporting new measures that would enable an aging population to stay in their homes longer. These new standards include 16 features which will allow for aging in place.

In addition to designing features such as ground-floor toilets, wide stairways that could be adapted to take a stair-lift, room for wheelchairs to turn and level or gently-sloping approaches to front doors, the “Lifetime Homes, Lifetime Neighbourhoods” initiative calls for creating entire neighborhoods sustainable for the elderly. By improving street lighting, better positioning bus stops and increasing access to toilets and other amenities, Prime Minister Gordon Brown hopes to build safe, long-term housing options.

“I want our homes to be places that help us adapt as we age - safe and familiar havens rather than obstacle courses to be negotiated each day,” Brown opined. “That is why I was clear that we should become one of the first governments in the world to publish a strategy for housing in an ageing society, setting out our commitment to giving people more influence over their own lives as they grow older and to helping them stay comfortable and secure in their homes.”

Introducing the new plans, housing minister Caroline Flint, said, “The vast majority of people want to stay independent in a suitable home as they get older. We have a responsibility to support that desire by increasing the housing choices that are available.”

The proposal aims for all new homes built from 2011 by housing associations to meet the new standards. The new guidelines do not benefit private sector houses until two years later. Two-thirds of all British housing is purchased from private developers.

The National Housing Federation (NHF), which represents 1,300 United Kingdom not-for-profit housing associations, welcomed the new “lifetime homes” standards. NHF Chief Executive David Orr said, “We are particularly delighted to see recognition of the importance of housing in preventing people needing to use more expensive services which can undermine their independence. The Prime Minister is making a very welcome call for all new homes built by housing associations to meet Lifetime Homes standards from 2011.”

Orr continued, “But this will apply to just one in three homes. It will be at least another two years before private developers are expected to follow suit. We are committed to working with government to help them shape the delivery of the strategy, and see this as a very important step towards achieving the sort of housing we need for our society in the future.”

Paul Cann, director of policy at Help the Aged, an international charity fighting to free disadvantaged older people from poverty, isolation and neglect, noted, “Older people often tell us that they want to live in their own homes for as long as possible. This strategy will hopefully be a springboard to this becoming a reality.”

Noting the enormously important strategy, head of public affairs at Help the Aged, Mervyn Kohler, added, “We live in an ageing population and our housing must meet the needs of older people, both now and in the future.”

Until standards like these are implemented where you live, find tips on allowing loved ones to stay at home here. You can also share your advice and learn from others with loved ones wanting to stay at home in the AGIS Forums.

Filed under: Elder Issues, Eldercare, Health & Safety, Housing, Uncategorized