This report focuses on the housing challenges faced by older adults in Ireland in accessing suitable housing and proposes solutions to address these issues. The report presents a review of relevant literature, policy briefings and legislation, and statistical databases including the CSO, Government Departments and data from other jurisdictions. The aim of the report is to encourage discussion and propose measures that expand housing choices for older people in Ireland.
This report is organised into three Sections: Section 1 reviews the current housing situation of the older population in Ireland, looking at tenure, adequacy, nursing homes, social housing and homelessness, and identifies issues for older people in having their accommodation needs met. Section 2 reviews the requirement for a spectrum of housing for older people, and estimated need. Section 3 provides greater detail on what this spectrum could look like. This includes Dispersed Housing, Shared Housing Across All Tenures, Dedicated Older Persons’ Housing, and Residential Units for People Requiring Full-Time Nursing Care. Section 4 provides a conclusion and recommendations for next steps for Government to implement a comprehensive spectrum of housing for older people over the next 10-12 years.
Results from the report indicate that there is scope for further development of models of dedicated housing for older people. Furthermore, the report highlights that there is potential for a better focus on housing provision for older people in Rebuilding Ireland, Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness and at a local level in local authority housing strategies. The report advocates for collaboration among relevant governmental departments and details the benefits of an integrated housing approach to housing for older people, in addition to promoting policies that would increase social housing with support for older people.
