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Insights
Hanover’s Insights summrise research we have commissioned and undertaken into specific themes or policy areas relating to housing and care options for older people.
Insights published so far are outlined below. If you would like to receive printed copies of any of these Insights please contact the Policy and Public Affairs team.
‘Is there a Future for Retirement Housing?’ (Published February 2010)
Retirement housing is changing and some have questioned whether it has a future. This Insight summarises research which looks at potential demand for, and attitudes towards, retirement housing.
Qualitative research undertaken by Karen Croucher, from the University of York, indicates there will be demand if the ‘offer’ remains right. ‘Recent movers’ to retirement housing were motivated by a variety of reasons including: the need for flexible access to housing support; seeking a more fulfilling social life and wanting to downsize (mainly for financial reasons).
Research by Hometrack indicates that many areas with large older populations have a relatively low levels of retirement housing and the findings support Hanover’s intention to build 1,000 new affordable retirement homes over the next few years.
‘Is there a future for retirement housing’ can be read here
‘My Home My Say’ (July 2009)
Traditional resident engagement methods allow only the most committed residents to become involved in the decision-making process.
Hanover has found that travelling to meetings and public speaking often deterred less confident residents and those with mobility issues from taking part.
This Insight shares the range of mechanisms that we have developed to involve residents. They include: our innovative local agreements, Intouch panel, joint staff and resident consultation events and Resident Board members.
‘My Home, My Say’ can be read here
‘Unlocking Britain’s Empty Rooms’ (June 2008)
Hanover commissioned the University of York to understand where Hanover’s new residents were moving from and why.
A key finding was that 36% of residents had formerly occupied property with three or more bedrooms. The research also showed that 47% of previous owner occupiers were taking their equity out of the housing market and moving into rented retirement accommodation.
Around 5% of older people live in retirement housing a present: and yet retirement housing, could provide older people with the type of affordable housing they want as well as releasing family homes into the market. The challenge is how to increase both supply and demand for affordable retirement housing.
