Housing for people with dementia – are we ready?

This Inquiry report by the All Party Parliamentary Group on Housing and Care for Older People, written Housing LIN with involvement from Pozzoni director Damian Utton, pulls together the evidence presented to the Inquiry's expert Panel, the research and analysis undertaken to understand the housing implications of people living with dementia and makes over 40 key policy and practice recommendations for dementia-readiness.

The 10 month Inquiry, sponsored by the Anchor Hanover Group, held four virtual Inquiry Sessions between May and December 2020, interviewed 14 'witnesses' including people with dementia, carers organisations and those working in the NHS, designing or providing housing and/or commissioning adult social care services.

It also received a selection of written submissions from academics, trade and professional bodies and provider organisations to help Panel members build a picture of the lived experiences of people with dementia and the impact of their housing circumstances pre-Covid and during lockdown.

The Inquiry report makes a number of important findings for future improvements to the way we design dementia-ready new housing, retrofit our existing stock and make best use of technology, aids and equipment. It also includes useful infographic and updates the original 10 HAPPI design principles to ensure that they are dementia-friendly.

The Inquiry found 20 overarching issues and makes over 40 recommendations. They include:

• strategic policy and investment recommendations to central and local government and other key players to ensure dementia-readiness,
• practical guidance and stimulates interest for housing providers with an interest in older people to take urgent action to become dementia-ready, and
• reframing the 10 original HAPPI design principles so that they are now dementia-proofed.

To read the report in full click here.