Transforming ‘Elderhood’ ‘Rethinking community, service provision & the life choices available in the UK for senior & those with care needs’ Presentation by Andy Steele Salford Housing & Urban Studies Unit & The Fortunae Group North West Regional Housing Learning & Improvement Network

Introduction Audit Commission (2004) report ‘A fundamental shift is needed in the way we think about older people, from dependency and deficit towards well-being & independence’ Need to respond to challenge, developing innovated & integrated solutions for older people

The Fortunae Group Large & pro-active social regeneration & housing business (HA) International team of healthcare architectural & design specialists Planning specialists Team of international consultant specialists – gerontologists, design specialists, accreditation & standards leaders Salford University – inter-disciplinary academic enterprise activities

Underlying principles Aim: Delivery of a high value integrated community experience, enriching peoples lives & creating barrier free environment Integration of care, support, leisure & housing Integral part of vibrant community – exercising talent Adapts to residents changing care needs & preference with minimal disruption Looking to build on CCRCs in USA & develop UK applicable model

Current problems Value of older people within our culture Peripheral to ‘community’ – Retirement Villages Defined housing solutions on independence – dependence continuum (sheltered housing) Tenure polarisation Lack of integrated approach - leisure

Aspirations Range of adaptable, on-site care environments Packages of support available Minimum differentiation between ‘scheme’ & wider community – access (e.g. cafe) Range of tenure options – ‘buy in’ Range of housing options Innovative – best practice approaches i.e. ICT, dietary needs, space utilisation

Challenges Model & its adaptability Affordability – social housing & land values Planning - ‘mind set’, location & land use Identifying internationally ‘what works & why’ Inter-agency collaboration – flexible working practices Redefining ‘old age’

Progress to date - embryonic Outline planning application stage for scheme in South West C2 planning condition – care element Property for sale – affluent clients Feasibility studies re: cross-subsidy – affordability, care packages, on-site provision etc.

Wider implications Challenges stereotype of old age Challenges dominant social policies Community integration Enhance social capital accumulation Range of holistic solutions in old age