Your location: Older people
This page looks at support and services that can be provided to older people to help prevent them from becoming homeless.
The ageing population
Older people currently make up more than one in six of the UK population and by 2035 this will rise to more than one in four. Most people over 65 enjoy a very good quality of life and have a comfortable, safe home. However, some older people are vulnerable, and have housing needs that are not being met.
Shelter‘s good practice guide ‘Housing and support for older people’ and briefing ‘Alternatives to supported accommodation’ explore older people’s housing needs and show how housing and other professionals can ensure these needs are met.
Download 'Housing and support for older people' good practice guide
Download 'Alternatives to supported accommodation' good practice briefing
Advice for older people
Older people often get advice from family, friends and the professionals who care for them rather than specialist housing services, but to make informed choices about their housing futures older people need full and accurate advice.
There is a particular need for multi-agency working to ensure that non-housing specialists are able to make initial assessments of housing need and can then go on to make effective referrals to specialist agencies.
Useful organisations
The Elderly Accommodation Counsel (EAC) helps older people make informed choices about meeting their housing and care needs.
Help the Aged provides advice and support to older people through its website and phone line.
Age Concern offer practical advice and assistance through local offices, a national advice helpline and website.
Staying put: helping older people to live independently at home
About 90% of older people live in their own home. Only one in ten live in sheltered housing, retirement housing or a care home.
Ways in which older people can be assisted to maintain their independence include:
Housing support
Floating support services - provided to homeowners and tenants alike - prevent homelessness, promote independence and sustain tenancies. Support is particularly important for someone who is being resettled after a stay in hospital, a hostel or prison.
Property adaptations and maintenance
Adaptations can promote independence and prevent accidents and falls. Older people with mobility and health issues should be encouraged to access the Disabled Facilities Grant from their council and also seek help from a local Home Improvement Agency. Foundations is the national coordinating body for the network of local home improvement agencies.
Affordable warmth
Older people are more likely to be in fuel poverty. Local advice services may be able to increase income through a benefits check and Warm Front will give advice and arrange heating improvements and insulation.
Home security and fire safety
Local police and fire services and in many areas, the Home Improvement Agency or local handyperson services will make home visits to check home security and fire safety. Fire Gateway gives access to a variety of services provided by fire and rescue services, including arranging a home safety visit.
Telecare
Community alarms and remote monitoring devices can provide support from a distance. The Telecare Services Association can help individuals access telecare services.
You can also find local advice agencies using Shelter's directory.
Moving on: housing options for older people leaving their own home
The good practice guide ‘Housing and support for older people’ also looks at options for older people who decide they do want to move. This is a developing field for social policy researchers.
Sheltered housing is declining in popularity, but 'extra-care' or 'very sheltered housing' that caters for people with more advanced care needs is being built in its place.
The private sector is also building more retirement housing and retirement villages with communal facilities. The larger developments include leisure amenities, such as restaurants and bars, as well as on site care facilities.
Private schemes also allow older homeowners to keep their tenure and remain owner-occupiers. The Joseph Rowntree Foundation has carried out research into retirement villages.
Shared ownership – when a household buys part of the property and rents the remaining part – and other innovative ownership models may allow some older people to retain some of the capital from the sale of their home.
Older people who wish to move often benefit from using a housing register to match them to suitable accommodation that is accessible and adapted to their needs. There are registers for both rented and owner-occupied properties. The Elderly Accommodation Counsel (EAC) has a comprehensive online register and also operates a phone advice line.
Policy and government strategy
LinkAge Plus pilots
Eight pilots have been developed to bring together central government, local authorities and other organisations in partnerships to deliver services focussing on local needs.
They are providing older people with access to a wide range of more integrated, joined-up services, including:
- housing
- transport
- health and social car
- work and volunteering opportunities.
Lifetime Homes in Lifetime Neighbourhoods strategy
The ageing of the population will be one of the greatest housing challenges of the 21st century. This strategy sets out our response to this challenge.
It outlines our plans for ensuring that there will be enough appropriate housing available in the future to relieve the forecasted unsustainable pressures on homes, health and social care services.
The strategy is available to download from the Communities and local government website.