News in Brief
A group of over 40 senior housing, health, and care professionals gathered in Ashford to discuss innovative solutions for improving housing options for older residents in Kent and Medway.
The Kent Housing Group (KHG) is leading the charge, establishing a Task & Finish Group to develop a “delivery mechanism” for better housing. KHG Chair Brian Horton emphasized the need to identify best practices and initiate pilot projects to realize these ambitions.
Key discussion points included:
- Housing Typologies: Identifying suitable housing types to encourage downsizing and freeing up under-occupied homes.
- Increasing Housing Opportunities: Leveraging planning policies and developer contributions to create more housing options for older adults.
- Design Priorities: Ensuring new developments are sustainable, “age-in-place” friendly, and meet the evolving needs of older residents.
The KHG has secured the support of local authorities in Kent and Medway to develop proposals for improved senior housing. With a focus on affordability, sustainability, and resident well-being, the group aims to deliver innovative housing solutions that meet the needs of the region’s aging population.