Extra care housing reduces loneliness and social isolation in older people

A new report from the International Longevity Centre (ILC-UK), has found that residential housing with flexible care provision (extra care) could have a major impact on a resident’s quality of life and reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation.

Funded by Audley Retirement homes and healthcare specialists Bupa, the report surveyed residents’ quality of life while living in retirement villages against a group of individuals living in the community. A positive link was identified between individuals receiving ‘extra care housing’ and reduced loneliness levels.

Chief executive of ILC-UK, Baroness Sally Greengross, commented: “This research helps to confirm that good housing is beneficial for us. Communal living commonly found in extra care and retirement villages seems to have a positive impact on loneliness, with very few respondents to our research saying they felt a high degree of loneliness or isolation.

“New and innovative models for providing social care are crucial to address rising costs for care in an aging society. But we simply aren’t building enough aspirational housing for old age. Government must ensure that planning supports the development and promotion of alternative models of housing with care.”

Findings from the report have revealed that village living can promote greater independence and provide greater choice in planning for later life than would otherwise be available. Additionally, it has been suggested that communal environments have the potential to reduce social isolation, particularly for residents who move from more rural or remote homes.

People living in retirement homes are less likely to be lonely

Further findings have suggested that the average person in a retirement village experiences half the amount of loneliness than those living in the community. Nearly two thirds of respondents living in retirement villages could be classified as not lonely, and more than four out of five believed they hardly ever or never felt isolated. Over half often felt in tune with those around them, and nearly four in five hardly ever or never felt left out.

Within the report the ILC have suggested that control is a crucial component of quality of life measurement. The people surveyed reported a strong sense of control over their daily lives, nearly ten per cent higher than those living in the community. Additionally, ninety-seven per cent of individuals also felt secure in their homes and safe where they lived.

The ILC has warned the Government that the UK is faced with an ageing population that could become increasingly difficult to support. It has been projected that in 20 years’ time the number of people aged 85 and over will be almost two and a half times larger than in 2010.

In light of this statistic, the report highlighted that loneliness could have emotional and physical health implications for older people, including an acceleration in cognitive decline, with a 64 per cent greater risk of dementia.

Head of Policy at Alzheimer’s Society, George McNamara, said: “There are significant housing problems facing people with dementia, but there is scant attention given to this problem in housing policy. Much of the UK’s accommodation is poorly designed to meet the needs of people with dementia and this offers significant barriers when they move home. It is positive to hear that residential housing with flexible care provision can reduce feelings of social isolation and loneliness, something which is endemic among people with dementia - but there is little of this available when compared to the number of people with the condition.

“With an ageing population and increasing numbers of people with dementia, housing must be adapted, designed and built to meet their specific needs and improve quality of life.”

With an estimated 800,000 people in England who are chronically lonely, The National Health Service has revealed that a continuous increase in loneliness, alongside an ageing population could cause a large burden on its services.

In response to the findings, the ILC report has urged the Government to work with the private sector to build new retirement houses and encourage older people to consider making such a move in light of the new pension’s freedoms, together with incentives to share information and advice on the best housing opportunities.

'Extra care housing' proves beneficial for older people

Nick Sanderson, chief executive officer of Audley Retirement Villages, commented: “We have long known that retirement villages offering extra care have a positive impact on those living in them. No one wants to be in a care home, and very few should need to go down that route. The ILC report corroborates our belief that the quality of life in extra care accommodation far exceeds what is possible in a care home.

“Extra care housing offers people the opportunity to live in a community of like-minded individuals, whilst remaining in their own home and retaining their independence. We were particularly pleased to see the ILC report reveal that residents feel a greater sense of control, and importantly a sense of community. Living in the right accommodation with flexible care provides our owners the opportunity to live their lives as they choose, on their own terms.

“We are faced with a growing older population, and this generation are more ambitious and active than ever. It’s crucial that there is a better supply of good quality housing that meets their changing needs. Extra care is a seemingly simple concept, but Government, business and society urgently needs to accelerate the provision of alternatives to current solutions; alternatives like extra care housing that can help give older people what they need and want, as well as help the NHS avoid a care crisis.”

Commenting further on the ILC report’s findings, Paddy Brice, managing director of Richmond Care Villages, also part of Bupa, added: “The report reflects our knowledge that retirement villages are a great way for people to maintain their independence and enjoy an active social life, with the confidence that support is on hand if needed.

“Our villagers frequently tell us they wish they’d made the move earlier. We are currently building two new villages as part of Bupa’s investment in new products and services for older people. Care villages are clearly meeting a big demand for this style of living as the apartments are being snapped up before we have even finished building them.”