Later Living Vision
As the population increases and ages, it is important to recognise the link between housing and health and social care.
For too long, older people have been stuck in housing that no longer meets their specific needs. The lack of bespoke, specially designed accommodation is unnecessarily drawing resources from elsewhere in the NHS and local authorities.
Tailored accommodation and facilities can help people to stay fit and active, improving health outcomes, maintaining independence, and improving mental health through social engagement and cohesion. In turn, this will reduce the burden on the NHS.
Increasing the supply of suitable homes for older people also frees up family homes elsewhere in the Borough to more efficiently use existing housing stock.
An on-site training school for aspiring social care professionals will encourage more people into the sector.
Wellness
- Activity, fitness, and leisure spaces at the heart of the integrated retirement community.
- Publicly accessible spaces include the restaurant, bar/bistro and spa areas.
- Activity spaces promote health and wellbeing in residents and the wider community.
Who does this scheme benefit?
1. Downsizers
A current family home no longer works for Mary, she made the positive choice to move in to the new accommodation to give her more confidence of living alone and with a degree of independence, all of which contributes to her overall health and wellbeing. At the same time, these new facilities will provide a space where residents are able to live freely whilst having access to high-quality social and specialist health services.
2. Those with specific health and wellbeing needs
William and Barbara moved into the new development, but William has had a stroke. One of the key benefits of this new, bespoke provision is that those who need it can receive the specific care that they need whilst not being situated too far from their loved one. In this case, Barbara was able to easily visit William whilst he received the specialist care that he needed without having to leave the proximity of his home.
Further, William and Barbara’s children were able to visit William while he received his care as they could stay in accommodation for visitors. This reduces loneliness for those living in the development, ensuring that William and Barbara’s wellbeing is enhanced.
3. Making family homes available
This scenario follows Jenny, wanting to take her first step on the housing ladder. Jenny requires relatively small accommodation and wants good connectivity for her first home. While the development does not provide specific provisions for first-time buyers, it is expected to indirectly facilitate their entry into the housing market through a unique approach.
By creating a community that caters to the needs and preferences of older people who are looking to downsize and transition into a more manageable living situation, this would free up accommodation and space that is more suitable for first-time buyers like Jenny.
In addition to the dwellings, the development offers a range of leisure facilities that can be enjoyed by residents like Jenny. These amenities enhance the appeal of the community, making it an attractive option for individuals seeking to buy their first home. The proximity of the leisure centre to Purley Station further enhances the connectivity and convenience for residents, providing easy access to transportation options and allowing them to enjoy the local facilities of the leisure centre.
Whilst the development does not specifically cater to first-time buyers, the opportunity for them to enter the housing ladder is increased through the availability of accommodation resulting from older individuals moving into this development.
