Housing 21 News

Housing 21 involved in major Inquiry into mental health in later life

Housing 21 was involved as a member of the Board of the UK Inquiry, which published its final report on 13 August 07.

The report – the culmination of four years thorough research - concludes that the over 3.5 million older people who experience mental health problems do not have satisfactory services and support and considers the Government’s response to the mental health pandemic to be inadequate.

It makes 35 recommendations including eliminating age discrimination and ageism, investing in prevention, improving housing, health and social services with Government providing leadership to overturn ‘years of under funding in older people’s mental health services.’

The report includes case studies of good practice including two from Housing 21 – Oak House, our extra care scheme in Suffolk and Home Care Plus, our care services run by Housing 21 Dementia Voice in Westminster.

The Chairman of the Inquiry, Dr June Crown on launching the report, said

“We have no excuse for inaction, and no time to waste . . . the neglect of older people’s mental health needs represents a waste of human potential that we simply cannot afford”.

Melinda Phillips, in welcoming the report of the Inquiry, said

“We echo the Inquiry’s conclusions that older people’s mental health problems are poorly understood and not given the priority they deserve in policy, practice and research. Through Housing 21 Dementia Voice – our centre of excellence in dementia care – we provide exemplary evidence based quality services for people with dementia. Housing 21 also prides itself in enhancing the quality of life and mental well being of older people through its housing and care services”.

The Inquiry report is at http://www.mhilli.org