Topic
3 - Housing and accommodation
Mick Maynard and
Michelle Bridges from Gravesham Borough Council
talked about what the housing of the present and
future needs to be like, to ensure people can live independently
and for longer. Working closely with KCC
Occupational Therapists to assess needs, working with home
improvement agency, dealing with energy efficiency matters,
government grants etc.
Also GBC are responsible for
looking after the estates side of needs, residents living in
council housing and also sheltered housing, some have resident
wardens or visiting wardens. GBC are
looking closely at adaptations to encourage people to stay in their
own homes and live independent lives.
Working with KASS Social Services to assess
where homes can be adapted.
The ‘Warm front’
scheme offers up to £2700 for replacement boilers. We do
offer Warm front top-up scheme. If 65+
the Gravesham scheme is non-means tested but there is limited
funding at this time of year. We also
have a handyman service.
Choice Based Lettings scheme
starting on 27 April 2009– people will be able to bid for
properties.
Issues raised
- Is there any
intention to increase the sheltered housing schemes? GBC are not looking at building any more but as
things change and we will look at sheltered housing services, as
reviews come up. If GBC were to
establish there was a greater need they would look to address
this
- The problem is trying to help older
people keep their independence but ensuring they are safe.
With the advancement of technology GBC now have
Telecare alarm systems and radar
detection installed which enable a community care person to be
contacted in the event of an emergency. Personal alarms for older people helps to enable
them to live longer, but the provision of equipment is needs based
only.
- Older people are sometimes proud and
unwilling to move, making them reluctant to ask for support.
- There is a fine line between
adapting larger houses so people can remain independent and
providing alternative but more suitable accommodation. Sheltered accommodation can be good as it provides
a community hall and social contact. Older peoples’ gated
communities can be in the form of blocks that are assigned for
older people, some have managers or wardens.
- People were scared of bringing
transfer up as they might be taken off the list. However it was
made clear that anyone can apply for a transfer. How can a more
effective two way dialogue be established between Council and
people?
- How to reach isolated or hard to
reach people? Could there be opportunities to improve contact and
dialogue at places such GP surgeries, medical centres, libraries,
Post Offices and vet surgeries.
- A suggestion was made about cutting
down on the amount of paperwork that was required to get any form
of help as this was beyond many older people.
- Local and central government grants
for energy efficiency measures are complex and in a muddle. There
are so many and it is very complex.
- Kent energy centre now known as
ESTAL. There is a free phone number for advice.
- Home insulation and boiler
replacements – it seems like the left hand doesn’t know
that the right hand is doing at Gravesham Borough Council.