Response To Hoarding On Housing Report

by PR For Less

(PR For Less and WireNews+Co) - London, England - 21 October 2011

Help is already at hand for older people considering their housing options, including downsizing, but not enough of them are aware the help is out there and how to access it.

Elderly Accommodation Counsel (EAC) has been helping older people explore their housing options for over 25 years yet only a small proportion of the population are aware of its existence.

Whether with an active older person or more vulnerable and isolated, exploring the options open to each individual can be time consuming and complex to navigate. Where do I start? Who do I talk to? What questions should I ask? What are the options? Which would be best for me? Many older people are either not aware of the answers or put off by the questions and just choose to deal with it later or not at all.

Daniel Pearson, Director of EAC’s advice service FirstStop says “It’s about so much more than just financial incentives to move. The issue for many older people is finding the help and support they need to downsize. For many it’s not an option they can take on alone, some need help physically, emotionally and practically. Also, for many, there is a shortage of suitable accommodation locally to move to. Whatever their circumstances, having someone they can talk to can make it easier to make a decision. ”

FirstStop is working hard to improve older people’s access to the advice and information they need. As well as their own Advice team and website FirstStop are currently part funding a number of local housing options projects around the country to deliver a face to face service. They are also delivering a programme of training and presentations to older people’s groups, at local events and if requested, directly to employees.

John Galvin, Chief Executive of EAC comments “Housing options for older people can include:

• Moving to a property that better suits their needs.

• Living with family.

• Moving to some form of retirement housing such as a retirement village, sheltered housing or extra care housing.

• Repairing or adapting their home to make it more suitable

• Or possibly sharing their home with a younger person through a ‘Homeshare’ arrangement.

The key is in making it easy for people to access this information and advice and to offer it in a way that encourages take-up and empowers people.”

EAC and FirstStop are also currently undertaking research into the economic value of downsizing on behalf of the Department for Communities and Local Government. This is due for publication in December

FirstStop’s services can be accessed via one phone number 0800 377 70 70 and one website www.firststopadvice.org.uk (http://www.firststopadvice.org.uk).

Notes for editors:

• HousingCare & FirstStop websites between them have, on average, 14,000 visits a day

• FirstStop aims to deliver housing related advice to at least 22,500 people through its Advice line in 2011/12 and to 3000 older people face to face through local partners.

• The charity EAC is currently funded by the Department of Communities and Local Government to deliver and grow the FirstStop service.

• The HousingCare Accommodation Directory holds information on over 25,000 retirement schemes around the country and carries details of vacancies

• The Intergenerational Foundation report on Hoarding on Housing can be found at: http://www.if.org.uk/archives/category/research (http://www.if.org.uk/archives/category/research)

   

First Stop Advice is a London based organisation providing advice to older people.