From Canada to Kircubbin: learning from America on housing an ageing population – part 2

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to learn lessons from North America on housing an ageing population, both in terms of supporting people to “age in place”, and available options for those who need/wish to move. The project, funded by the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust, comprised a six-week travel fellowship to USA and Canada to meet with housing professionals from the public and private sectors and find out about best practice initiatives and efficient models for housing older people.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is in two parts, of which this is the second. Part 2 focuses on the links between housing and health and, recognising significant differences between the countries, draws out lessons which may be applied as similar challenges of austerity, an ageing population and the increasing interest in personal budgets are faced.

Findings

There is no one size fits all approach to addressing the housing needs of the older population; a continuum of options across tenures is required. There are opportunities for growth in the private and non-profit sectors in terms of the provision of services for the ageing population. Large scale social change comes from better cross-departmental coordination and cannot be achieved by the isolated intervention of a single organisation.

Originality/value

This was a unique opportunity to learn lessons from North America on how to effectively meet the needs of the older population, now and in the future. The findings are based on the personal observations and conclusions of a housing practitioner.

Citation

Thompson, E. (2013), "From Canada to Kircubbin: learning from America on housing an ageing population – part 2", Housing, Care and Support, Vol. 16 No. 3/4, pp. 154-160. https://doi.org/10.1108/HCS-06-2013-0007