Minister Daly visits Clúid Housing’s Older Person’s Scheme in Bandon

Minister of State at the Department of Health with special responsibility for Mental Health and Older People, Cork South West, Jim Daly T.D., visited Clúid Housing’s Older Person’s scheme in Bandon Co. Cork this afternoon (Monday 27th August) at noon.

The minister saw first-hand the benefits of developing purpose built supported housing for older people in Mill Court which provides homes for older people to live independently as they age.

Rachel Lartey, Housing Manager with Clúid Housing said; “There is a gap in housing and support options for older people, between remaining at home and going into a nursing home. Clúid is dedicated to bridging that gap through building more housing schemes like Mill Court.

According to latest figures, 1 in 3 people currently living in Irish nursing homes could actually live at home if they had appropriate support.

Clúid is committed to creating homes and communities in which older people can live full and independent lives. Our dedicated housing schemes for older people promotes independence, autonomy and choice and is a sustainable alternative housing model to residential care, as well as being significantly less expensive.”

Lartey continued, “By increasing the number of universal design homes in key areas of need and providing a housing model which sources support from the local community such as Public Health Nurses, home help support, meals on wheels, etc., Clúid can successfully empower older people to remain at home and within their own communities.  Clúid believes this housing model is the key tool in reducing the demand for the ‘Fair Deal scheme’, which cost €917 million to fund in 2017.

We need to drive forward in this work because Ireland’s population is ageing and living longer – there is a need and demand for this alternative housing model for older people.  A housing model which provides choice, a home for life, security and a sense of community.”

Clúid housing provides specialist older persons housing to 642 households on 18 schemes in 8 counties in areas where there is a demand for older persons housing as reflected in local authority waiting lists. The purpose of the accommodation is to help older people to stay living independently for as long as they are able and want to. In County Cork, the housing association has developed older persons housing schemes in Bandon, Newmarket, Charleville and Carrigtwohill

Speaking during his visit to the scheme, Minister Daly said: “As people get older, their housing needs are likely to change.  A key principle underpinning Government policy is to support older people to live in their own home with dignity and independence for as long as possible.   Our aim is to ensure that older people will have more choice by developing a range of housing options that are suited to their needs, so they can plan ahead and, insofar as possible, choose the right home for them.  Varying levels of support are needed to enable older people to continue living in their own homes and communities, including care needs where appropriate.

Schemes like Mill Court allow residents to maintain their independence, while also providing the supports that ensure safety and peace of mind for its residents.”

Clúid Housing is the largest housing association in Ireland, delivering over 5,777 high quality, affordable homes to people in housing need all over Ireland. Housing associations are independent, not-for-profit charities. Clúid hopes to deliver a further 2,500 new homes in the next three years and is keen to partner with local authorities, developers, state agencies and financial institutions to make this happen.