- Integration White Paper identifies crucial role of housing in health and care system
- Calls for more choice around housing options
- Echoes similar commitments to sector in Levelling-Up White Paper and Social Care White Paper
Responding to today’s Joining Up For People, Places and Populations White Paper, Michael Voges, Executive Director of ARCO said:
“This completes a hattrick of clear policy commitments to Integrated Retirement Communities and Housing-with-Care from the Government over the past two months.
“The Government is right to commit to ensuring that people always have a choice over their housing and care. Last week’s commitment to a Task Force on Older People’s Housing is a major step towards achieving this.
“Our sector is ready and able to expand to give every older person in the UK the opportunity to access Housing-with-Care through an Integrated Retirement Community"
ENDS
For further information please contact: Gareth Lyon, Head of Policy and Communications, at garethlyon@arcouk.org or on 07535 088498
- Notes for Editors-
What are Integrated Retirement Communities?
Integrated Retirement Communities, otherwise known as Housing-with-Care, offer older people the opportunity to live independently in their own home as part of a wider community. Lifestyle, wellbeing and care services are available to support people’s independence and aspirations. Integrated Retirement Communities are run by a range of not-for-profit and private operators, with two-thirds of the sector being affordable or social rent.
How are these communities integrated?
Apartment homes are available for purchase, part purchase or rent, alongside a range of choices:
- Integrated Lifestyle: Facilities like restaurants, bars, gyms, cinemas, community halls and gardens offer optional activities and social opportunities
- Integrated Well-being and Care: Personal and domestic care can be delivered within people’s homes if they wish. Dedicated staff teams are on site 24/7
- Integrated with Wider Communities: Connections with wider communities through family, friends, intergenerational, volunteering or leisure opportunities are valued and cherished
Associated Retirement Communities Operators (ARCO) is the main body supporting Integrated Retirement Communities across the UK, setting standards for the sector, and representing the interests of consumers and providers at national level.
