Inverness and the Highlands face a pressing housing challenge that affects both the ageing population and essential healthcare workers. Mixed housing options can create sustainable, inclusive communities while addressing affordability and accessibility concerns. By integrating housing policy into local and healthcare planning, we can build a future that supports all generations.
Councillor Isabelle MacKenzie
Councillor for 16 Inverness MillburnCreating an Age-Friendly Community through Mixed Housing Options
As our population continues to age, the need to design communities that cater to all generations becomes increasingly urgent. An age-friendly community encourages active, healthy living and ensures accessibility to various services, amenities, and housing options for individuals at different life stages.
One of the key elements in building such a community is the availability of mixed housing types. From single-family homes and multi-family units to apartments and assisted-living spaces, diverse housing options allow individuals to age in place comfortably while remaining part of a vibrant, intergenerational neighbourhood. Crucially, any conversation on housing must also address affordability, particularly for healthcare workers, whose ability to secure local accommodation directly impacts the delivery of essential services.
The Role of Mixed Housing in Sustainable Communities
An age-friendly community must accommodate the varying needs of residents at different stages of life. Mixed housing fosters intergenerational interaction by integrating various housing options within the same area. This encourages social cohesion and mutual support between younger and older residents. Moreover, a range of housing types within a self-contained community allows individuals to transition between different living arrangements as their needs change, without being displaced from their familiar surroundings.
For example, families with young children may benefit from living in a neighbourhood with senior-friendly housing, while older adults requiring additional assistance could choose to reside near independent housing options that cater to more mobile individuals. This flexibility ensures that people can access the services and support they need without the upheaval of relocation.
Addressing the Housing Needs of Healthcare Workers
While the broader discussion around housing must include age-friendly design, an equally pressing issue is the lack of suitable accommodation for healthcare workers, particularly in Inverness and the Highlands. The shortage of affordable housing is exacerbating recruitment challenges in the healthcare sector, making it difficult to attract and retain essential staff.
Many healthcare workers, especially those in the independent social care sector, struggle to find affordable rental accommodation due to high costs and limited availability. Despite the crucial role they play in our communities, healthcare staff are not currently included in the Affordable Housing list. This exclusion risks shrinking the pool of available workers, as many may opt for regions where housing is more accessible.
The Impact on Healthcare Services
The shortage of healthcare workers is placing increasing pressure on Raigmore Hospital and community care providers, particularly regarding patient discharge. Without adequate care at home or support from care providers, delayed discharges become more frequent, creating a backlog that affects the entire healthcare system.
Integrating housing considerations into recruitment and retention strategies is essential. Potential solutions include incentivising housing availability, offering subsidies, and working with local authorities and housing associations to ensure healthcare workers can access affordable accommodation. These measures would not only enhance staffing levels but also secure long-term care solutions for the population.
A Call for Integrated Housing Policy
Addressing these housing challenges requires a holistic approach that incorporates both age-friendly design and affordable accommodation for key workers. By fostering mixed housing environments, we create sustainable, inclusive communities that support individuals throughout their lives while also ensuring that essential services, such as healthcare, remain viable.
Incorporating these considerations into the Highland Outward Improvement Plan (HOIP) and local authority planning initiatives is a necessary step to future-proof our communities. Without decisive action, we risk failing both our older populations and the healthcare workers who provide vital care.
By taking a proactive approach to housing, we can build a future that supports all residentsโyoung and oldโwhile ensuring the sustainability of our healthcare system.
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