HLINks: Housing LIN Covid-19 Info Hub and practice briefings, new Housing LIN blog and sector updates
Such is the scale of threat of coronavirus to our sector we have created a dedicated Info Hub. There is more information about this in the section below.
In addition to this, as well as our usual range of new resources, we have published two practice briefings this week that look at Covid-19; one in relation to managing specialist housing, and the other on end of life care.
The Housing LIN will continue to work to keep our members updated on any aspect of the ongoing outbreak which affects our sector.
A big clap for all the carers in Extra Care housing!
Housing LIN Covid-19 practice briefings
Coronavirus (COVID-19) - Housing and Care in Specialist Housing
This new briefing from the Housing LIN sets out practical steps for specialist housing providers seeking to reduce the risk of a coronavirus outbreak.
There are four sections, covering: measures to put in place to ensure residents can continue to live independently; staffing and workplace matters; the operational management of schemes; and, signposts to online information.
COVID-19: Tips for housing sector on end of life care
With the continuing escalation of the coronavirus pandemic in the UK the lives of residents are at risk, and those who are vulnerable may die of their current long-term condition.
This Housing LIN briefing sets out a number of tips for the housing sector on end of life care and includes signposting to a selection of further practical advice.
Covid-19 Info Hub
We are currently monitoring government advice, and have uploaded all relevant guidance and briefings on our Coronavirus Info Hub. There are three sections, and the Hub provides links to the Housing LIN practice briefings, national government guidelines, and other useful information for our sector, so that you can be kept up to date of this rapidly changing situation and take appropriate measures.
- The news page on the Housing LIN website is being kept up to date with any new advice and recommendations from the government.
- NHS England: Guidance on supply and use of Personal Protective Equipment - Everything that you need to know on the supply and use of Personal Protective Equipment.
- Shakespeare Martineau: Coronavirus Resource Hub
- Erosh briefing: Supporting Older People and Staff through Coronavirus (Covid-19) - This briefing published by Erosh presents the actions and plans that Erosh is taking as response to the Coronavirus outbreak, as well as to highlight the considerations that sheltered and retirement housing providers need to take when providing their services.
Housing LIN Annual Conference
Vision 2020 Postponement
Following the government’s advice to stay at home, and the banning of more than two people being together in order to enforce social distancing arrangements, we have had no option but to postpone our high-profile event in Manchester.
However, we are pleased to report that we are in discussion with the venue to rearrange the Vision 2020 conference, so that it can take place before the end of this year, government guidance permitting. We will notify members once we have finalised arrangements.
Housing LIN Blog
Flexible retirement and the rise of rental models
To coincide with the first ever national Intergenerational Week we have published this new blog from Eleanor McCallum, of Pozzoni Architecture. She writes about the opportunities for intergenerational living in the private rented sector.
This guest post examines the changing demographics of the rental market in the UK, and then looks a new intergenerational development from Pozzoni Architecture.
Housing, Community, Disability, and Ageing
- Affordable Housing Commission report: Making Housing Affordable Again – This report identifies key demographics with the most housing-related stress, including older people in the private rented sector, and includes recommendations on incentives to downsizing.
- Foundations blog: Unsung Heroes - Handyperson Services - Handyperson Services play a pivotal role as the ‘eyes and ears’ of communities in keeping vulnerable people safe and healthy in their own homes
- St Monica’s Trust blog: United for All Ages: An Intergenerational Case Study - The 2020s can be the decade when Britain becomes a country for all ages.
- Care Talk: Living life for longer in Extra Care - Anchor Hanover's CEO Jane Ashcroft CBE discusses the benefits of Extra Care for the social connection, independence and health.
Homelessness
- Health and Care Services for People Sleeping Rough: the views of people with lived experience - This report from the University of York and the King's Fund highlights the views of people with lived experience of rough sleeping on health and care services.
- Keep Well Collaborative: Impact statement - This impact statement outlines the ways that Keep Well Collaborative aim to reduce the demand for statutory services and to support people at home.
Design and Technology
- New technology challenge to support people who are isolating - This article outlines funding available to technology companies that can come up with digital solutions for people who are staying at home during the coronavirus outbreak.
- The Universal Design Project: Renovations are costly…. - Implementing accessibility at the start of a new design project will save you time and money.
- Tech Nation: UK tech for a changing world (subscription required) - As emerging and maturing technologies continue to disrupt and transform incumbent industries, and tackle some of the world’s biggest challenges, the report this year focuses on UK tech for a changing world.
- NHSX: Funding available for technology innovations during COVID-19 - NHSX is calling on all innovators who can support the elderly, vulnerable and self-isolating during COVID-19 to apply for government funding of up to £25,000 to test their solution.
- Wheel Chic Home: Tips for decorating with a disability
Health and Care
- Foundations: New report reveals impact of Disabled Facilities Grants on keeping people out of care - A new report has revealed what the average local authority achieves through disabled facilities grants
- Royal College of Occupational Therapists guide: Staying well when social distancing - advice to support people who are undertaking social distancing and for families to support their children while schools are closed.
Planning
- Older People’s Care Development – Local Development Plan Monitoring- In association with the Tetlow King Planning, this document monitors current local authority planning consultations that may be of interest for those seeking to develop housing for older people. The tracker is updated fortnightly.
Wales
- Older Persons’ Commissioner for Wales: Coronavirus Information Hub
Events
Forthcoming Events
In light of the coronavirus outbreak we have cancelled all our upcoming regional meetings and training courses until further notice. We are investigating whether it will be possible for these events to be held online. Watch this space! If you have already booked a place on one of these events we will contact you directly via email.
Home of 2030
A reminder that today is the final date by which entrants to the Home of 2030 design competition can submit questions on the brief and other technical aspects of entering the competition.
Next Week
Next week we are very pleased to be publishing the 100th Housing LIN Viewpoint - Almshouses for the 21st century: transformation in progress.
With Thanks
The Housing LIN would like to thank Willmott Dixon for their support in producing this newsletter. Stay well and be safe!