Loneliness and Social Isolation in Older People
As the number of older people in the UK continues to increase and people are living longer, loneliness and social isolation are increasing. Evidence about the role older people’s housing plays in tackling loneliness and social isolation continues to grow and practical guidance for providers and those who work with older people is crucial.
Mobility vehicles
Mobility vehicles (MVs) have been revolutionary for older people with limited mobility, providing independence, social inclusion and reducing dependency on others for basic tasks. The number of older people using MVs has increased dramatically resulting in challenges for independent living providers especially where accommodation is older and not designed with MVs in mind.
Pest Infestation in Independent Living Schemes
Pests can cause anxiety and distress, carry disease, cause food poisoning and skin conditions, trigger allergic reactions and exacerbate existing conditions, increase risk of fire and electrocution and lead to substantial damage to property or personal possessions.
Pet Policies in Independent Living Schemes
The therapeutic benefits of pets and their role in providing emotional support are well known but providers need to ensure they adopt a fair and consistent approach which supports pet owners but does not negatively impact on non-pet owning residents.
Professional boundaries
Professional boundaries form the framework within which the support worker and customer relationship occurs and set the parameters within which support for independent living services are delivered. They define the limits of behaviour to allow a professional worker and service user to engage safely in a supportive relationship based on trust and respect.
Safeguarding older adults
Safeguarding is everybody’s responsibility, from front-line staff in regular contact with tenants, residents and service users; to staff who periodically visit homes or communal areas e.g. repairs staff; to contractors carrying out works in people’s homes, to CEOs and board members.
Sensitive Contractors
This guide, developed with the kind support of Ian Williams Ltd, prepares contractors for working sensitively in older people’s homes in any setting.
