Older persons housing strategy

This strategy has 3 key aims.

Aim 1

Have a range of good quality, appropriate and affordable housing available across all tenures to meet changing needs.

We will:

• Work with our development partners to increase the supply and choice of housing options available for older people.
• Make the necessary improvements to the council's existing stock for older people and develop new homes to replace those not fit for purpose following the outcome of the sheltered housing review.
• As part of the overall housing target, seek a net increase in a range of housing designed for older people, with a specified proportion being delivered on strategic development sites and at excluded villages.
• In addition deliver on the target set out in the local plan for the provision of specialist bed spaces for residential and nursing care.
• Continue to improve housing standards in the private rented sector.
• Ensure the HAPPI design principles are used to inform future improvement and new developments of the Councils own stock for older people.
• Wherever possible encourage private developers to use the HAPPI design principles to inform their future developments for older people.
• Continue to be innovative and utilise the funds available to us in the most effective way to mitigate against the loss of revenue from national policy change and to meet our commitment to improve and develop homes for older people.
• Re-brand and re-market older people's housing, to eliminate stereotypes, promoting different living opportunities and broadening the outlook for older people when it comes to decisions about future housing.
• Improve the information and advice available to help older people make informed choices about their housing options, when to move and how to facilitate a move.

Aim 2

Enable older people to live independently for as long as possible.

We will:

• Continue to oversee administration of disabled facilities grants for aids and adaptations that enable extended independence to people who want to remain in their own home.
• Work with our partners at Hertfordshire County Council to identify where appropriate care and support packages are required for the people in the borough that need them.
• Work with partners at Hertfordshire County Council to increase the availability of assistive technology, flexi-care and floating support
• Continue to work with partners and tenants of social housing to mitigate against the impact of the withdrawal/reduction of housing related support funding
• Implement the council's Aids and Adaptations Policy for residents, where remaining in their current home is the best option for them.
• Continue to work to reduce the number of tenants living in council homes which are not suitable and /or are too large for their needs.

Aim 3

Encourage partnership working between all stakeholders to improve the overall quality of life experienced by older people

We will:

• Help reduce social isolation amongst older people by working with voluntary sector partners who provide social activities, transport and support for this demographic.
• Wherever possible encourage developers of older peoples housing of the benefits of providing communal facilities that encourage social integration
• Work with all partners to improve and keep updated all available information / relevant sign posts for the various support and advice services available within the borough and surrounding areas for our older people
• Develop an action plan and implement the council's fuel poverty strategy to reduce the number of older people living in inadequately heated properties and cold weather related deaths amongst older people.
• Pay close attention to the location on any future housing developments for older people to ensure residents have easy access to transport, shops and facilities to promote independence and social integration.
• Continue to work as part of the Welwyn Hatfield Dementia Action Alliance (WHDAA)
• Engage with the local loneliness project