Scottish Housing Day sparks national dialogue on lifetime homes.

Scottish Housing Day: A Call for National Conversation on ‘Homes for Life’

Scotland is witnessing a rapid ageing of its population, outpacing the rest of the UK. The number of individuals aged 65 and above is expected to surge by a third by the year 2045. The emphasis on accessible housing and enabling individuals to reside comfortably in their homes throughout their lifespan takes the spotlight on this year’s Scottish Housing Day, occurring on Wednesday, 18th September 2024.

Scottish Housing Day stands as an annual event devoted to raising awareness about the triumphs and hurdles faced by Scotland’s housing sector. It also encourages active participation from the sector and the public by organizing events, Q&A sessions, and sharing narratives and blogs on social media.

Marking this year’s Scottish Housing Day, the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) Scotland and its partners will release a new report centred on the theme of ‘homes for life’. This revelation will unfold during a special event at the University of Stirling’s Dementia Services Development Centre.

Formulated with insights from both the housing sector and the public, the report spotlights the vital role of housing in aiding individuals to lead fulfilling lives as their requirements and priorities evolve. Additionally, it provides recommendations to the Scottish Government and the housing sector to ensure a diverse range of housing options catering to varied needs within mainstream housing. Moreover, advocates for specialist housing to aid individuals requiring additional support.

The launch event attendees will have the privilege to hear from the housing minister, Paul McLennan MSP.

Ashley Campbell, CIH Scotland’s policy and practice manager and chair of the Scottish Housing Day working group, remarked, “This Scottish Housing Day endeavours to bring into focus a facet of the housing sector often overlooked. The theme of ‘homes for life’ was selected by the Scottish Housing Day partners to incite discourse on how the housing sector can heighten support for individuals as their housing needs transition, particularly in later life.”

Reflecting on the current state of the housing sector grappling with unprecedented levels of homelessness amid a national housing crisis, Campbell asserts the urgency of accommodating the array of housing needs people encounter across their lifespan. This necessitates a housing system capable of providing aid, adaptations, and technology, as well as assistance to enable individuals to remain in their homes or relocate to more fitting abodes.

She adds, “Today’s report calls for a fresh emphasis on accessible housing and sparks a nationwide dialogue on housing for the elderly.”

Vikki McCall, professor of social policy at the University of Stirling and Chair of the Scottish Housing Day 2024 event, expressed, “Housing and healthy ageing represent fundamental areas of research and study at the University of Stirling, and we are thrilled to host this year’s event.”

As people’s requirements evolve, it is imperative that Scotland’s residences and neighbourhoods are designed to accommodate every phase of their lives, integrated within communities. Scottish Housing Day offers a platform to initiate much-needed conversations on the concept of ‘homes for life.’