Issue - meetings

To receive a presentation from Jemma Gumble, Strategic Partnerships Development Manager.

The Chair introduced this item on the Older People’s Housing and Care Project which he reminded members, had been discussed at Cabinet on 14 February 2018. 

Lia Markwick (Service Development & Strategic Commissioning Manager) and Jemma Gumble (Strategic Partnerships Development Manager) gave a presentation on this subject.

A video was screened which gave an example of a successful new development that follows a new approach for older people with the co-location of specialist housing and community services around a ‘vibrant service hub’ for residents.

The following points were highlighted:

• There are demographical challenges for Enfield with the number of people over 65 years forecast to increase 23% over the next 10 years.

People are living longer although often in poor health.

• Other challenges include the pressures on housing supply and on health and social care budgets which indicate new approaches are  needed in respect of the provision of ‘assisted living’. However there are often negative perceptions of Housing with Care for older residents.
• There are currently over 500 older people receiving intensive care packages in their own home. This number is increasing and there is a need for growth in various retirement housing and extra care housing. New choices for older people are required.
• One way to extend the choice for older residents is to co-locate specialist housing with community services which includes health and wellbeing and might also include co-location with education/ learning/ leisure and retail facilities.  All of this to be centred around a vibrant ‘hub’ where residents and the wider community would interact. 
• Contrary to some criticisms that older people would be centred in a ‘bubble’ the development would have an outward facing hub with the community. With the aim to promote healthy, active ageing.
• Feasibility studies are to be undertaken to look at options.  A development at Milton Keynes which provides facilities similar to those which we may wish to offer provides properties to buy or to rent.
• Advantages of having the co-location of housing and health services would mean that residents can be cared for at home rather than in hospital. The building quality would be high and more suited to the complex needs of older people. Other benefits expected include the reduction in temporary accommodation costs due to the subsequent increased supply of local housing.  Improvements for residents from an increase in their wellbeing, a reduction in loneliness, and improved dementia outcomes, there should also be a reduced risk of falls and a greater chance of couples being able to stay together.
• The current vision is to have a single development for approximately 200 to 300 homes. Financing may be possible through partnership funding such as NHS contributions, Mayors funds, charitable trust funds, and HRA contributions.

The following points were made:

• Cabinet had authorised officers to progress the strategic planning of an Older People’s Housing and Care Project.  Feasibility studies are to be undertaken.
• Councillor Smith said he had worked for a Housing Association and had experience in this field. He stressed the importance of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 494