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Research carried out for the Changing Ageing Partnership (CAP) concludes that those who design and plan sheltered accommodation in Northern Ireland could do more to meet the needs of the residents who live there.
Thursday 22 May 2008
Thursday 22 May 2008
12.15pm
2.30pm
Institute of Governance 63 University Road Belfast
Free
Event
The research entitled Better Housing for the Ageing Population in Northern Ireland will be launched on Thursday 22 May 2008 at 12.15pm in the Institute of Governance, 63 University Road, Belfast.
The research was conducted by Dr Karim Hadjri a senior lecturer from the School of Planning, Architecture and Civil Engineering at Queen’s University.
Dr Hadjri said:
‘There are over three hundred sheltered housing schemes in Northern Ireland registered with the Elderly Accommodation Council. Sheltered housing is specially designed housing for older people. The purpose of this research was to find out whether or not this type of accommodation meets residents needs and it outlines how sheltered housing can be made as accessible, safe and comfortable as possible for residents.
‘It seems that older people who live in sheltered accommodation are generally satisfied with their homes, particularly with the level of comfort and safety and the standard of private areas, such as bedrooms and bathrooms. They are less satisfied, however, with communal areas, such as living areas and gardens. There are also concerns about the layout of some accommodation, the accessibility and ease of use of kitchens and storage areas, the standard of alarm systems, noise levels and temperature.
‘Whilst some sheltered accommodation developments in Northern Ireland are of a very high standard, others show room for improvement. 10 out of the 26 buildings surveyed during this research were less than satisfactory. Older people deserve to feel happy, comfortable and safe in their homes, and some simple modifications can help ensure that this is the case.’
Joan Cosgrove from Newtownabbey Senior Citizen’s Forum said:
‘This research is of utmost importance because it involved and informs those who it was researching. I hope that the Assembly takes note of the findings and acts upon them.’
In conclusion to the research, the report makes the following recommendations:-
Contact Deaglan Coyle if you would like to attend on 028 9097 3472 or d.p.coyle@qub.ac.uk
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