‘HRB research highlights benefit of Housing with Supports model for older people, says ALONE Dublin,
Dublin, 25th February 2021 ALONE, the organisation that supports older people, has welcomed the publication of an evidence review by the Health Research Board (HRB) which highlights the benefit of Housing with Support model to support older people age in place. The organisation has previously called for reform of housing and care supports provided to older people, saying the COVID-19 outbreak has highlighted the flaws and gaps in the current housing system for older people.
The ‘Housing with support for older people’ research shows that the Housing with Support model can result in a good quality of life, allowing older people to care for themselves with minimal support from personal care assistants. The model can also slow the decline of old age or provide better support to those with functional decline to live independently, and reduces inappropriate use of GP and hospital services. There is an increasing demand for this type of supportive housing in Ireland reflective of our ageing population.
Seán Moynihan, CEO of ALONE said, “This evidence review highlights the voice of the older person and we need to listen; older people want to live in their own homes and not in institutions.
“One of the core principles of ALONE has always been to protect the right of older people to choose to age at home on their own terms, with access to any additional supports that they may need to ensure a good quality of life. ALONE believe that older people must be involved in decisions on where and how they age so that they can live independently and remain part of their local community”.
He continued, “We have worked with older people who have prematurely moved to nursing homes because they could not get the support they needed to live independently, and older people who are currently living at home and struggling to stay well, because those supports are not available. This research is a huge step in the right direction as it will help start a national conversation around ageing at home and will support development of a policy framework for housing for older people in Ireland.”
Contact ALONE if you have concerns about your own wellbeing, or the wellbeing of an older person you know. Their National Support Line is available seven days a week from 8am – 8pm on 0818 222 024. Further information can be found on www.alone.ie.
