| Abstract: | It is now generally recognised in industrialised countries, that one of the most urgent health and social problems is the provision of adequate yet appropriate accommodation, plus supporting services, for the rapidly increasing aged population. In addition, it is a widely held view that in the recent past provision of care for this population has been unduly focused on institutional solutions. Housing policy has a vital part to play in supporting the development of domiciliary services in assisting those aged who wish, to remain in the community. Studies have revealed that people typically have little idea of the options and choices open to them regarding accommodation in later life, nor how to obtain appropriate advice on which to plan. This paper considers the actual and potential contribution of sheltered housing within the overall continuum of supportive living alternatives. Variations of the basic sheltered housing concept are explored, the point being stressed that different types of sheltered (and other) housing provide important life-style choices for the elderly. The paper concludes that there is considerable scope for expanding what little sheltered housing currently exists in many Western countries. |
