The Adult Social Care Reform White Paper acknowledges that integrated retirement communities should be part of a new social care system.
“The range and amount of new supported housing to be increased through £300 million in housing investment, to help local authorities offer greater choice, care and support, alongside a new practical service to make repairs and changes in peoples’ homes to help them remain safe and either stay with their families or live independently in accordance with their wishes,” the paper said. The news has been welcomed by retirement housebuilders.
Inspired Villages CEO Jamie Bunce said: “The White Paper marks a welcome acknowledgement from Government as to the importance of integrated retirement communities like Inspired Villages which offer specialist housing for older people.
“Residents in our villages are able to enjoy happy, healthy, independent lives thanks to the well designed homes, on-site facilities and support networks in place, which in turn helps relieve the pressures on our overburdened health and social care system. Given our country’s rapidly ageing demographics, it is so important to be able to grow the sector to give more people the choice of living in an integrated retirement community. This White Paper is a good first step in making that a reality.”
Nick Sanderson, CEO, Audley Group added: “All the right noises coming out the social care white paper. Arrangements to help people downsize, a £300 million investment to integrate housing into local health and carestrategies and a focus on boosting the supply of specialist housing. All of this signals the Government has finally woken up to the benefits of treating housing and care as one. Good news that has been a long time coming.
“Specialist housing, like integrated retirement communities, offer countless benefits – improving the health and wellbeing of property owners while simultaneously reducing the pressure on local care services and the NHS. People should undoubtedly be supported in their decision to move into such properties and it’s encouraging the Government has acknowledged this. And this will only act to free up the housing sector further.
“Now we need to see the promises in this long-awaited white paper translate into action. We can’t afford for the Government to drag its feet or spend too long exploring themes, when change needs to start now.”