Wokingham

A new housing strategy for older people in the Wokingham district is set to be considered by Wokingham District Council’s decision-making committee next week (January 26).

If agreed by the ten-strong executive, the strategy will set out the framework for development of appropriate housing and support for older people in Wokingham district over the next 10 to 15 years.

The Wokingham district has a population of just over 150,000 with 21,000 aged above retirement. There is a prediction that the future number of older people in the Wokingham district, particularly those aged over 75 years of age, will increase and in turn will increase the need for more housing and care services in the district.

Some of the current traditional accommodation available to older people will not meet their needs for the future and therefore the strategy sets out clear targets for the range of accommodation and services needed for the next 15 years.

The far-reaching strategy looks at the development of new initiatives to meet future demands such as extra care housing for those with dementia. And, with many older Wokingham people wishing to remain living independently in their own homes for as long as possible, the council will offer more information and help as well as practical advice to older people to manage their homes allowing them to maintain an independent life.

Wokingham Cllr Pauline Helliar-Symons, executive member for social care service and housing, said: “The district council cannot achieve this ambitious strategy on its own and therefore we need to engage with all our partners if we are able to deliver the vision. The council will work with its partners to improve the range of options available to older people and offer them flexible services.

“I very much hope that the strategy is given the green light by the executive as it will allow for older people to have more choice for accommodation and care over the next 10 to 15 years.”

Over the past few months, many people including members of Wokingham council, health and housing partner agencies and older people themselves, have been involved in developing the strategy and they have been consulted on the draft. Questionnaires were distributed via the older people’s forum with over 50% of members giving their views. And two events were also held in the summer to discuss the ideas outlined and gave participants an opportunity to feedback their views.

Wokingham District Council