Older people in the spotlight

A ROTHERHAM firm Bramall Construction recently hosted a seminar about

 housing and care needs of older people.

Wath-based Bramall Construction co-hosted the two-day Extra Care Housing seminar with Greenwoods Solicitors LLP, legal advisors in the fields of social housing, housing development schemes and construction law.

The aim was to challenge outdated perceptions of older people's care, generate debate on facilities and care provision, define the challenges in achieving best practise, consider the future funding implications of Extra Care housing and debate the future direction of older people's accommodation in the UK.

Among the key speakers was lecturer and researcher George Giarchi (79), professor of care studies at Plymouth University, who has devoted his academic life to the study of physical, mental and social changes in people as they age.

A spokesman for the event said: “As the population ages, the challenge for the housing industry, both public and private sector, is to ensure housing meets the changing needs, expectations and aspirations of older people.”

The event, at The Belfry, Cambourne, Cambridge, was attended by local authorities, housing associations and arms length management organisations.

It was supported by the Department of Health and the Housing Learning and Improvement Network, the national network for supporting change in the delivery of housing, care and support services for older and vulnerable adults.

The event's findings will now help influence the future of Extra Care provision in the UK and will be published later in the year.