Meeting the Accommodation Needs of Older People (MANOP)

The challenge of inheriting outdated care homes, an aging population, and a shortage of properties suitable for right sizing in Central Bedfordshire presented us with an opportunity to rethink the provision of accommodation for older people. Our vision is to secure the best quality of life we can for our older residents both now and in the future. We know that good housing has a positive impact on people’s lives and helps them to remain living independently for as long as possible. MANOP is a significant investment programme to extend housing choices for local people as they age. We are raising the bar on the quality of accommodation, going beyond the basics to invest in energy efficient, beautifully designed facilities that build thriving communities.

Challenge

In 2014, we inherited seven outdated, energy inefficient older-person’s care homes that did not satisfy the needs and expectations of residents and their relatives. We needed to update the available accommodation and find new ways to provide good quality care at an affordable cost. Private sector care providers were increasingly unwilling to accept customers at the council’s rate.

In addition, there was a shortage of local accommodation suitable for senior residents who wanted to right size and stay close to friends and family. This in turn resulted in a shortage of larger properties available for growing families in Central Bedfordshire.

Given the demographic profile of Central Bedfordshire, where around 80% of older people are living in owner-occupied properties and around half fully fund any care needs, we recognised our duties extend well beyond those who require some degree of public support or subsidy.

Providing specialist accommodation would also release a significant number of larger family dwellings and make more effective use of developed land by reducing under-occupancy.