Menu
16/05/2008
QUB Research To Help Build Better Homes For Aged
Research carried out for the Changing Ageing Partnership (CAP) has found that those who design and plan sheltered accommodation in Northern Ireland could do more to meet the needs of the residents who live there.
The research, entitled 'Better Housing for the Ageing Population in Northern Ireland', 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: "The Essential Role of Sheltered Housing Northern Ireland - the consortium of sheltered housing providers - estimates that housing associations in Northern Ireland provide over 10,000 sheltered flats and bungalows for older or disabled people.
"This is a third of their overall stock of social rented housing. Many older people rely on this accommodation to allow them to maintain their independence, whilst having easy access to support and assistance.
"There are over 300 sheltered housing schemes in Northern Ireland registered with the Elderly accommodation Council.
"This research aimed to find out whether or not this accommodation meets their needs, and outlines how sheltered housing can be made as accessible, safe and comfortable as possible for residents," he said.
He continued: "Whilst some sheltered accommodation developments in Northern Ireland are of a very high standard, others show room for improvement. Ten 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.
"Using clear signage and coded colour schemes to denote areas that are used for different purposes would make it much easier for older people to find their way around buildings."
Dr Hadjri also added the importance of providing effective alarm systems, good lighting and easy access to emergency doors which would help older residents feel safe at home.
"Along with existing regulations, this research can help inform the development of further guidance for those who plan housing for older people, ensuring that they have the comfortable, secure and accessible living space that they deserve," he concluded.
(JM)
The research, entitled 'Better Housing for the Ageing Population in Northern Ireland', 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: "The Essential Role of Sheltered Housing Northern Ireland - the consortium of sheltered housing providers - estimates that housing associations in Northern Ireland provide over 10,000 sheltered flats and bungalows for older or disabled people.
"This is a third of their overall stock of social rented housing. Many older people rely on this accommodation to allow them to maintain their independence, whilst having easy access to support and assistance.
"There are over 300 sheltered housing schemes in Northern Ireland registered with the Elderly accommodation Council.
"This research aimed to find out whether or not this accommodation meets their needs, and outlines how sheltered housing can be made as accessible, safe and comfortable as possible for residents," he said.
He continued: "Whilst some sheltered accommodation developments in Northern Ireland are of a very high standard, others show room for improvement. Ten 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.
"Using clear signage and coded colour schemes to denote areas that are used for different purposes would make it much easier for older people to find their way around buildings."
Dr Hadjri also added the importance of providing effective alarm systems, good lighting and easy access to emergency doors which would help older residents feel safe at home.
"Along with existing regulations, this research can help inform the development of further guidance for those who plan housing for older people, ensuring that they have the comfortable, secure and accessible living space that they deserve," he concluded.
(JM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
11 February 2022
Major New Housing Development Scheme In Strabane
Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has announced that her department has awarded an £11.7 million Housing Association Grant towards a new £22 million social housing scheme in Strabane. The development will provide 150 social homes as well as retail opportunities within the site and a children's playpark.
Major New Housing Development Scheme In Strabane
Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has announced that her department has awarded an £11.7 million Housing Association Grant towards a new £22 million social housing scheme in Strabane. The development will provide 150 social homes as well as retail opportunities within the site and a children's playpark.
06 August 2015
Crumlin Social Housing Scheme Opened
A new social housing scheme of three and four bedroom houses has been officially opened in Crumlin. The fourteen new homes for families on the social housing waiting list, is owned and managed by Habinteg Housing Association who funded the build, with support from the Department for Social Development.
Crumlin Social Housing Scheme Opened
A new social housing scheme of three and four bedroom houses has been officially opened in Crumlin. The fourteen new homes for families on the social housing waiting list, is owned and managed by Habinteg Housing Association who funded the build, with support from the Department for Social Development.
19 August 2024
Frontline Housing Staff Praised For 'Courage And Commitment'
Frontline housing staff have been recognised for their "courage and commitment" in the light of a rise in hate crime attacks, by Communities Minister Gordon Lyons. Minister Lyons visited Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) staff in Antrim.
Frontline Housing Staff Praised For 'Courage And Commitment'
Frontline housing staff have been recognised for their "courage and commitment" in the light of a rise in hate crime attacks, by Communities Minister Gordon Lyons. Minister Lyons visited Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) staff in Antrim.
04 May 2016
Fold And Helm Housing Associations To Merge
Two housing associations in Northern Ireland are to merge. The merger, between Helm and Fold Housing Associations, is subject to final approval in September 2016. The new organisation is expected to be in place by early 2017.
Fold And Helm Housing Associations To Merge
Two housing associations in Northern Ireland are to merge. The merger, between Helm and Fold Housing Associations, is subject to final approval in September 2016. The new organisation is expected to be in place by early 2017.
05 April 2013
NI 'Can't Afford' Bedroom Tax
Changes to housing benefit planned by the UK government will cost Northern Ireland more money than it will save, according to new figures. The new 'Bedroom Tax' is part of the Conservative government's welfare reforms, which seek to save money and help cut Britain's deficit.
NI 'Can't Afford' Bedroom Tax
Changes to housing benefit planned by the UK government will cost Northern Ireland more money than it will save, according to new figures. The new 'Bedroom Tax' is part of the Conservative government's welfare reforms, which seek to save money and help cut Britain's deficit.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:This morning will be dry and rather cloudy, a little brightness here and there. Remaining dry this afternoon but still often cloudy. Fresh to strong westerly winds. Mild. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:This evening will be dry. Then the rest of the night will be mainly dry and mostly cloudy, although rain may reach the north coast later. Windy. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
