Programme: South Dublin
WHO Theme: Housing
Cost: 10000+
Status: Completed
Description
This development aims to address the increasing need for age-friendly housing in society. Recognizing the demographic shift towards an aging population, the initiative is centered around creating a supportive environment that fosters integrated neighborhoods, friendly relationships, facilitates easy access to services, and enables older adults to remain in their homes and communities as they age.
By focusing on some key aspects listed below, our initiative not only provides attractive age-appropriate housing but also enhances the overall quality of life for older adults:
• Response to Demographic Change: The project responds to the significant demographic shift towards an aging population. As life expectancy rises, there is a need to adapt our previous housing strategies. This development acknowledges these demographic changes by providing housing solutions that cater specifically to the needs of older residents, promoting their well-being and independence, ensuring that our communities remain inclusive and supportive.
• Diversity and Choice in Housing Provision: We are offering housing options designed to accommodate the varying needs and preferences of older adults. This includes homes that are, insofar as possible, flexible and adaptable to different levels of mobility and care requirements, ensuring that all residents can find a suitable living arrangement as close as they can to their current neighborhood and community.
• Options to Right-Size and Age-in-Place: Our initiative provides options for older adults to right-size to more manageable homes without leaving their community and social network. This right-sizing approach, by offering smaller, more manageable homes, helps residents maintain their independence and reduces the physical and financial burdens associated with larger properties. Importantly, this right-sizing does not necessitate a move away from their familiar surroundings. Our development is designed to facilitate aging-in-place, allowing residents to remain in their community as their needs evolve. This approach enhances their sense of security and belonging. This also has the effect of freeing up much needed larger homes for those who need them.
• Staying in the Local Community and Maintaining Social Contacts: One of the core principles of our project was to enable residents to stay within their community. Our project prioritizes enabling residents to remain within their local area, preserving their existing social networks. Staying connected to this community is vital for the emotional and social well-being of older adults. The development includes manageable communal spaces, promotes activities that encourage social interaction and community engagement.
• Appropriate House Types & Layout Based on Age-Friendly Design Principles: The housing units are designed with age-friendly principles in mind. This includes features such as level entrances, wider doorways, non-slip flooring, and dexterity-friendly fittings &, lever handles, and easily accessible storage and wet areas, and enlarged shower rooms equipped with provision for grab rails and leveled shower trays, all of which enhance safety and accessibility. Additionally, communal areas are integrated into the design to encourage social interaction and engagement, fostering a sense of community and reducing the risk of social isolation.
• Sustainability and Future-Proofing: Our commitment to sustainability is reflected in the construction and operation of the housing units. Energy-efficient designs, the use of sustainable materials, and green technologies are incorporated to reduce the environmental impact and ensure long-term affordability for residents. Furthermore, the development is designed to meet UD standards and allow for future modifications as residents’ needs change over time (i.e. wet room accessibility from the bedroom cater for hoist installation). This future-proofing approach ensures that our housing solutions remain relevant and effective in the face of residents’ needs.
• Community Services and Supporting Urban Renewal: Our initiative benefits from the process of choosing the right location that will integrate essential community services, ensuring easy access to healthcare, transport, social, and recreational facilities tailored to older adults. Our residents will have convenient access to the resources they need to lead fulfilling and independent lives. The project also supports urban renewal by revitalizing the local economy, enhancing infrastructure, and improving public spaces. We focused on quality of placemaking, that is not only limited to the building but also on creation of attractive, accessible and safe streets and urban spaces, and the integration into receiving environment in a way that adds value to the existing community.
Our commitment to creating high quality and appropriate age-friendly housing is reflected in every aspect of the project, from the initial design, introduction of the low maintenance finishes and materials, to the ongoing management and, and community support services. This holistic approach ensures that older adults are not only housed but are also part of a vibrant and supportive community.
Aim of Initiative
This initiative aims to create living environments that cater specifically to the needs of the aging population of the county. To provide age-friendly homes that are appropriate to residents’ needs, which will help them to enjoy active, healthy, and socially connected lives and to continue to live and age comfortably within their community.
Who is it aimed at
The initiative/housing is primarily aimed at older adults, typically aged 55 and older, who may face challenges related to mobility, vision, hearing, and other age-related conditions. It also considers the needs of aging populations who prefer to live independently and remain connected to their communities.
3 Steps critical to success
- Identifying Needs & Comprehensive Assessment – studies and surveys to understand the specific needs and preferences of the aging population. This includes identifying suitable locations, necessary amenities, and support services to ensure the housing solutions are well-targeted and effective.
- Collaboration with Stakeholders / Funding – Engagement of local government with community organizations, local residents, and senior citizens, to ensure that the development of age-friendly housing is inclusive, addressing various aspects of well-being and integrating community services effectively.
- Sustainable and Inclusive Design – Implementation of design principles that focus on sustainability accessibility, safety, and comfort for older adults.
3 Challenges in Planning / Delivery
- Availability of Suitable Locations: suitable sites / available land near essential amenities.
- Community Acceptance: resistance from local communities concerned about changes.
- Budget constraints and limited resources
3 Outcomes / Benefits
- Providing attractive homes that cater for the evolving needs of our aging population, that allow them to remain in their community and live actively and independently for longer, and maintaining the social network they enjoy in their current community.
- Supporting people to live in their own communities, encouraging continued social interaction and community engagement.
- Economic and social benefits for the residents and surrounding communities.
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