When lockdown ends, what are the lessons for intergenerational housing and how can we ensure that intergenerational housing is part of the post-COVID-19 future creating stronger, more supportive communities?
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Intergenerational housing – lessons during COVID-19 and looking forward
A discussion note for the Intergenerational Housing Network
Social distancing and lockdown don’t really go with promoting intergenerational mixing. It has been particularly difficult for those working with older people’s care homes and housing with care which went into complete lockdown early on. Some organisations have ceased activity (furlough etc) and others have adopted a creative approach through primarily digital interaction. This has been easier to implement in community settings, along with the provision of practical support and befriending to older people. Most activity has moved from group work to one-to-one working.
Key lessons so far:
- Strong community support for mutual aid and volunteering across generations at a really local level
- Growth in digital linking and creativity (how meaningful are these relationships and who do they reach – still waiting for evaluation)
- Issues about identifying, reaching and connecting with the most isolated and vulnerable people
- Public displays of support and coming together
- A growing social crisis of loneliness, affordable housing crisis and rising hardship
Looking forward
As we emerge from the crisis, there are some key things to build on:
- Pent up desire for social connection and being good neighbours
- Building on volunteering and mutual support across generations
- Wanting to live in neighbourhoods that care and connect with neighbours meaningfully
- But social distancing still with us and risk averse policies/practices will be widespread
What does all this mean for:
- Existing housing options eg Homeshare, reconfiguring sheltered/extra care schemes
- New housing schemes that promote intergenerational interaction, shared spaces etc
- Other new solutions?
More demand for homeshare for isolated older people needing some practical support and companionship?
Empty shops/offices in town/city centres could be used to develop intergenerational housing?
How can the intergenerational housing network make the most of the opportunities?
Following the Intergenerational Housing Network's meeting in May, we have set up three time limited task groups to consider the following issues:
making the most of opportunities of empty retail/office space in high streets and town centres for new intergenerational housing
building on the best of neighbourhood action during the coronavirus crisis and making technology work for all ages
influencing policy and decision makers and developers to support and invest in intergenerational housing
If you are interested in joining one of these groups, please contact Stephen Burke stephen.burke@unitedforallages.com or call 01692 650816 to discuss.