Research on housing and older people
Updated: 19 May 2013
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Research on the Future Housing Aspirations of Older People summary report
This summary report presents findings from research carried out by the Housing Executive in June and July 2012 into the future housing aspirations of older people.
The research was carried out on behalf of the Department for Social Development (DSD) and examines the views of those respondents aged between 50 and 70 years old in relation to the suitability of their current housing circumstances and their housing aspirations as they grow older.
2347 KB)The role of sheltered housing in Northern Ireland and future issues
This research draws on a number of primary research sources including surveys of sheltered housing providers and their tenants, a survey of people who turned down sheltered housing, focus groups of older people not living in sheltered housing and of younger people who may consider it as a housing option.
This study provides a clear picture of the level and make-up of sheltered housing in Northern Ireland and reports on the current tenant profile. In addition, with a lack of previous published work in this area in Northern Ireland, it outlines the key factors in the management of sheltered housing schemes.
Moving forward with services for older people in Northern Ireland– a home improvement agency/ care and repair scoping study
The aim of this research, commissioned as part of our Housing and Support Needs of Older People Research Programme, was to inform decision-making regarding the establishment of an over-arching Home Improvement Agency (Care and Repair) service to help older people in Northern Ireland to remain independent in their own homes, warm, safe and secure.
Analysis of the future need and demand for appropriate models of accommodation and associated services for older people
An analysis of demographic and policy trends to support informed decision making regarding future housing need assessment for older people; collation of information on the existing supply of accommodation for elderly people in relation to the distribution of the elderly population; and a ten-year projection, from 2006 to 2016, of the future housing needs of older people across a mix of tenures, for Northern Ireland overall and, on a more localised level, based on the proposed new local government districts.
Barn Halt case study
In May 2009, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive in partnership with the Northern Health and Social Services Trust (NHSST) and Fold Housing Association appointed the Social Research Centre (SRC) to undertake a study of Barn Halt
Assessment of the Potential for Equity Release for Older Owner-occupiers (Scoping Study) (Published October 2010)
This report outlines the findings of a Scoping Exercise aimed at initially outlining the issues around equity release and assessing the potential for equity release for older owner-occupiers.
Electronic Assistive Technology - Supporting Older People within Local Communities (Published October 2010)
For older people, independence is about having choice and control over their own lives. They also value interdependence – helping others as well as receiving help themselves. Good housing in safe, friendly neighbourhoods; getting out and about and keeping busy; an adequate income, good information and good access to healthcare are all considered important.
The use of EAT in Health and Social Care is an established practice. However, in recent years, information and communication technology has advanced rapidly in terms of the device development (hardware), what they can do functionally (software) and how devices connect (networking) with an increasing commercial profile which is financially competitive, with clear healthcare applications.
This research aimed to explore the perceptions and knowledge of key decision-makers in Northern Ireland from Health, Housing and the Voluntary Sector about the integration of electronic assistive technology into technology-enriched housing to support ageing in place for Northern Ireland’s older population.
Analysis of the Need & Demand for Retirement Villages in Northern Ireland (Published June 2008)
This report outlines the findings of a research project commissioned by us and undertaken by Fiona Boyle Associates to analyse the need and demand for retirement villages in their various forms. This project is part of wider research looking at the current provision of housing for older people and considering the needs and services required and the policy implications of these.
Older People Housing Policy Review Action Plan 2008-2010
Recognition of the challenges ahead is at the heart of the Housing Executive’s approach to the housing and housing related needs of older people. The recommendations in our Older People Housing Action Plan represent the starting point of a process for addressing some of those needs.
Strategic Review of Housing and Housing-Related Information Needs of Older People - Final Report, June 2008
In January 2007, our Research Unit commissioned the Social Research Centre (SRC) to review the information needs of older people in relation to enabling them to live independently in their own homes. The research was commissioned on behalf of the Supporting People Programme. This report sets out the policy context for this review, and the findings, conclusions and recommendations from the research conducted by SRC.
