Older population set to double
The number of older people living in Herefordshire is expected to rise by nearly twice the national average over the next six years, Government statistics reveal.
The amount of people aged 65 and over will rise from 35,400 in 2004 to more than 42,000 in 2011 – an 18.4 per cent increase compared to the projected 9.5 per cent jump nationally.
To help plan for the demographic shift in the ageing population, Herefordshire Council is acting now to ensure the long-term housing needs of the County are addressed.
About 3,000 people, aged 55 and over, were sent questionnaires aimed at gauging their aspirations of housing and support needs. Eight hundred people responded.
The conclusions of the survey will be fed back into the future planning of sheltered, affordable and other housing developments for older people.
Early analysis of those results shows a preference for independent living with medical care and support services being delivered at home.
Other key aspects show that older people want good transport links, good neighbours, good quality homes close to amenities with heating, insulation, no stairs and two bedrooms.
Those seeking to move were doing so to downsize or, to be closer to amenities or, to move to a property without stairs or with a spare bedroom.
Some older people also felt isolated and others concerned about safety and security at their current homes.
Independent consultants Tribal Sector is helping to conduct the research.
Herefordshire Council’s Social Care and Strategy Housing will work in partnership to help provide adequate services for older people.
Richard Gabb, Head of Strategic Housing, said: “The outcomes of this research will be used to inform planning for future services, sheltered and affordable housing developments.”
Stephanie Canham, Head of Adult Social Care, added: “Progress is already being made on developing an older people’s strategy and this research reinforces the need to ensure that older people are provided with relevant support and care to allow them to remain in their homes for as long as possible.”
