It is well documented that loneliness and social isolation among older people in the UK is increasing (Soaring loneliness may cripple the NHS,2 February), resulting in challenges such as increased costs of caring for older people in hospital as this article suggests. What is not so well appreciated is the role sheltered housing schemes play in providing a secure and supportive environment for older people leaving hospital as well as in reducing isolation, or loneliness,and depression. Our members help older people maintain family and social networks and they open up their sheltered and retirement housing schemes as hubs for all older people in a community with a variety of social and health and wellbeing activities as well as access to other health and social care services.
At a time when housing and support services for older people are seriously under threat from government funding cuts and the recently announced changes to how housing benefit is calculated, it is vital we remember the role sheltered and retirement housing schemes play in the secure discharge of older people from hospital and their recovery from illness or accident; and in preventing the need for more costly or crisis interventions. It is vital also we remember that sheltered and retirement housing schemes help achieve health, or social services and public health objectives and therefore save money for the public purse.
Rebecca Mollart
Chief executive,EroshContinue reading...
Source: theguardian.com