Creative thinking on support services
A number of reports and reviews are promoting wider thinking about the role of sheltered and supported housing.
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Erosh, the national consortium for sheltered and retirement housing, like the National Housing Federation and other various commentators, including Melinda Phillips’ letter (Inside Housing, 8 January), all share a desire to provide the right level of support to older people in a way that meets their individual needs.
While some people in sheltered housing require the extra peace of mind it offers, others have no need for support services and are simply there because of housing need.
Over the past few years there has been considerable debate around the respective merits of resident warden services compared with other forms of support services, including hub and spoke and floating support.
The High Court decision about the reform of warden services in Barnet Council and Portsmouth Council shows a need to consult properly and to reflect carefully on the needs of disabled people.
There are some excellent examples of innovation in supported and older people’s housing many of which we hope to be highlighted in the three Communities and Local Government department-funded guides launched on 29 January.
In our view what is needed when these difficult issues are addressed is a mature and creative debate about how to balance the cost of the service, the needs of the individual, and the choices providers can deliver while ensuring full engagement of those affected in key decisions.
Imogen Parry, director of policy, Erosh