Housing plan for borough's older residents

Date published: 22 September 2006

Action to ensure that the housing needs of older residents in the borough are met is the aim of a new plan introduced by Rochdale Council.

Older people living in the borough of Rochdale have been playing a vital role in shaping how Rochdale Council will provide housing services for people over 50. Independent consultation has been undertaken, and older residents have taken an active part in focus groups and completed questionnaires. Council staff have also worked closely with groups such as Age Concern.

The Older People's Housing Strategy looks at all the varied housing needs, from owner-occupiers who wish to live independently in their own homes, to people needing sheltered accommodation or residential care.

The strategy aims to ensure that residents from the many diverse backgrounds in the borough are able to access the services they need.

Lead Member for Older People, Councillor Angela Coric said: "We have an ageing population in the Borough. Older peoples' lifestyles and how they want to live out their lives have changed significantly. We have to plan and adjust our services to respond to this.

"This will mean making much better use of new technology and better planning of support services to help people live in their own homes for longer.

"The strategy aims to promote a positive approach to ageing, help older people maintain their dignity and independence, reduce poverty in old age and increase equality between older people.

"Housing is closely linked to care needs, and our aim is to ensure that older people in Rochdale enjoy active lives, maintaining their dignity and independence."

The draft strategy includes nineteen recommendations, to provide local people with all the information, and a complete range of services that they require.

To ensure that the draft strategy is addressing the right priorities, other groups involved with older people, as well as Township Committees and the Boards of PCTs in the borough will also be able to comment.

In 2005 Rochdale adopted a strategy for older people, with the vision that 'By 2009 Rochdale borough will be a place where we recognise, encourage and appreciate older people's contributions to all aspects of community life and help them to remain healthy, active and independent for longer.'