The changing face of sheltered housing for the elderly: Past, present and the future

For some years now, the UK government have discouraged any further development of sheltered housing schemes. Older people are living longer and their expectation and lifestyle are changing. They are also seeking sheltered home appropriate to their circumstances. The growing importance of housing provision for the elderly and the increasing needs and expectations of the elderly for improved housing provisions are becoming ever more pressing. Increasingly, sheltered housing providers are faced with issues of difficult to let housing stock. Also, concerns have been raised within the housing industry on the falling demands for small bedsit units. These small size bedsits were a significant part of sheltered housing provision dating back to 1960s and 1970s. As a result of the changing expectations of accommodation standards, many housing providers are now identifying the need to review their sheltered housing stock to ensure sustainability. A review of the changing face of sheltered housing over the years is documented. The main contribution is an extensive review of literature on the concept of sheltered housing; the development of sheltered housing and the evolution of sheltered housing over the years. A survey of sheltered housing provision is presented to illustrate changes that have taken place since the inception of sheltered housing 50 years ago. These findings have important implications for sheltered housing providers to provide functionally appropriate dwellings to meet the increasing demand, particularly of the elderly wishing to move into sheltered housing.