The cost of growing old - Page 2

entwisi · 31-12-2007, 10:03

She isn't looking for old folks home just yet, purely a bungalow preferably near to us. Its Hyndburn Homes that run/manage them.

MargaretR · 31-12-2007, 10:07

Too many old folk end up in old folks homes because there is no suitable housing available. It if far more preferable for old folk to have independant living rather than be consigned to an institution.
If more of you had completed that housing survey the need would have been more obvious

entwisi · 31-12-2007, 10:10

The need is known Margaret. Our Labour Council leader himself quoted a huge waiting time to me when I was chatting to him. I don't think there is any need to ask what is already known.

MargaretR · 31-12-2007, 10:15

The Conservative (ruling) element are anti new council house building, and statistics are needed to show them that their housing policy is totally unrealistic in meeting the needs of the community

entwisi · 31-12-2007, 10:55

Wasn't there an big who ha a week or so ago because councils had mis understood goverment guidelines on new housing planning laws. Basically they had been refusing applications when they should be encouraging them.

Anyway you only have to look at the huge waiting list for sheltered/assisted accomodation in Hyndburn to see there isn't enough. After all its only been public knowledge for 10 or more years that we are all living longer. Doesn't take a brain surgeon to work out there will be an increased need for suitable housing.

MargaretR · 31-12-2007, 11:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by entwisi

Doesn't take a brain surgeon to work out there will be an increased need for suitable housing.

LOL - Some tory councillors might benefit from brain surgery

entwisi · 31-12-2007, 11:19

Don't you have to actually have one before it can be operated on?

( and thats aimed at both sides )

harwood red · 31-12-2007, 13:20

All I can say is Hyndburn Homes need to catch up!!

We have been building in Blackburn and Darwen for over 3 years now and the main thing we include on all our sites are two bed bungalows as this seems to be the area where there is the biggest shortfall (except large family homes).

Over HA's in this area have also cottened on to this too and also built bungalows, what you are unlikely to find is private builders building them as there is more money in building houses or apartments for the land space it takes to build a bungalow.

MargaretR · 31-12-2007, 13:38

Hyndburn Homes have done some new build on Charter St but it is not finished yet and I don't know what type of housing units they are, other than they look 2 storey.
I suppose their hands are tied somewhat by our shortsighted tory ruled council.

I personally wouldn't want a bungalow - I have a first floor flat.
This is because a bungalow would have a garden, which would be nice to have but difficult to maintain. The stairs to my front door aren't a problem either, because I have groceries delivered (and almost everything else

), and at least I don't have to climb stairs to the loo, so only have to use the stairs a few times a week.
As more pensioners get internet savvy, more will see the advantages of grocery deliveries (free delivery if you are savvy about vouchers too) and will realise that above ground level living is desirable.
They may be put off by potential neighbour noise, but if they are housed amongst their own age group I think a problem will rarely arise.
It is good to see that your housing association is doing all the right things. I know 2 of your residents who give nothing but praise to your service.
Hopefully Hyndburn Homes will be allowed to do the same eventually

harwood red · 31-12-2007, 13:43

To be fair to Hyndburn Homes they are still only about a year oldish, we have been going for nearly 7 years as Twin Valley Homes and have to say that we listen to our residents in a annual survey and have a thorough complaints system which has to be adhered to.

Alot of the issues regarding new build aren't always council level but rather Nationally due to grants and their allocation.

What they need is someone pretty savvy at knowing how the system works and that has only happened with us in the past couple of years!

And then there is the issue of land to build on and what it can be used for also.

entwisi · 31-12-2007, 14:25

You don't fancy getting some built up Bash do you chuck? there is a huge list of people wanting them there. buy the allotment land seeing as hardly anyone uses it and make a lovely 'estate' of OAP assisted bungalows

WillowTheWhisp · 31-12-2007, 17:00

What's to stop a bungalow having a paved area instead of a garden for those who don't want to or can't do the gardening? A lot of elderly people love pottering about the garden though. I'm not at that stage yet but when I am I think I would prefer a bungalow as it would give me my own outdoor space.

MargaretR · 31-12-2007, 17:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by WillowTheWhisp

What's to stop a bungalow having a paved area instead of a garden for those who don't want to or can't do the gardening? A lot of elderly people love pottering about the garden though. I'm not at that stage yet but when I am I think I would prefer a bungalow as it would give me my own outdoor space.

I have access to lawns back and front, which are mown frequently at no extra charge. I can't have privacy there ----

but those days are gone.