Anticipating Future Accommodation Needs for Older People in Powys

We all want to stay in our own home, close to our family and friends and the communities we dearly love and cherish.

But how many of us plan for the future? How do we know what type of accommodation we will need if we become ill, injured or frail? Unable to work? What can we afford? And will we still be close to family and friends, able to be a valued member of a community.

These are many questions we should be asking ourselves, but many of us don’t. It’s not a priority given the day to day pressures of work and family life. We don’t have a crystal ball that can see into the future, but it’s up to us as individuals and collectively as families to start planning for our future needs as early as possible.

The council and its partners have a big part to play in our future planning by ensuring the right accommodation is available for our rapidly increasing number of older people in Powys. This is one of the biggest challenges facing commissioners and housing providers in the future.

During 2016, Powys County Council embarked on a county wide engagement exercise to seek the views of older people on the current and future demand of older person’s accommodation and residential care provision across Powys.

Working collaboratively with our partners Age Cymru, Credu (Powys Carers), the council’s Housing Service and Powys Association of Volunteer Organisations (PAVO) we were able to draw in a wide range of views from a broad spectrum of stakeholders.

This included residents and families, health and social care professionals from both Powys County Council and Powys Teaching Health Board, private organisations who deliver care and support, the third sector and forums who represent older people in Powys.

Presentations were given to members, town councillors and focus groups across Powys with scenario based questions to create discussion and feedback. There were face to face meetings with residents and staff that gave the project team invaluable feedback when compiling the report.

Social media also played a big part in advertising the online/paper surveys for people and groups who were unable to attend any of the meetings.

To view a copy of the 50+ Population Engagement Report - Anticipating Future Accommodation Needs for Older People in Powys, please click on the link below.

http://pstatic.powys.gov.uk/fileadmin/Docs/Adults/FINAL_50__Engagement_Report.pdf

If you would like any further information on the project, please don’t hesitate contacting Emma Palmer, Interim Health and Social Care Change Manager on 01874 612217 (ext 2217) / 07990 646339 or email at epalmer@powys.gov.uk.

Phill Stasiw, Communications Officer, Adult Social Care / Integration, Powys County Council