Home

HOPE Report: State of European Seniors Housing

Wed, 10/18/2000 - 12:00am — Karen Stevenson
Description: 

Housing for Older People in Europe (HOPE), a network of seniors housing organizations, has issued a conference findings report on the state of seniors housing in Europe. Some of the things they noted include the fact that the population is extremely diverse, and that no one service option fits everyone's needs and expectations. Some people want to be surrounded by people in an active location, others want more solitude. Some want to be around people their own age, others do not want to be ghetto-ized. Some want ownership, others prefer to rent. They found that people wanted a place to "retire and live" rather than an "old people's home to go and die."

DaneAge survey results from 1987 and 1997 were compared, reflecting a trend away from living as cheaply as possible toward a preference for a central location along with access to "nature" and green areas. The DaneAge survey also found a desire by many people for shared accommodations, as a way to provide for needs they might have in the future if they were incapacitated.

Another theme that emerged from various questionnaires was the importance of autonomy -- having control over the little things in life. They found that older people do not want to give up their right to take risks, and do not want to be over-protected. They want to be able to control their own destinies.

Interestingly, one observation was that many people are far more concerned about getting help with practical needs like getting a roof fixed than finding care assistance, and they put a high value on features like an on-site handyman to help out. Many older people saw freedom from home maintenance as a compelling reason to move to a retirement home.

A HOPE questionnaire found that most older people expected that the government would provide financing for their care needs, and don't mind paying more taxes if they are used this way.

The report also notes that more and more large provider chains are emerging in Europe, which is changing the face of the industry. Some people who resonded to the questionnaire express concern about that trend, and a fear that these "super providers" will dominate the future, and damage the ability of non-profit providers to survive.

Housing for Older People in Europe (HOPE), a network of seniors housing organizations, has issued a conference findings report on the state of seniors housing in Europe. Some of the things they noted include the fact that the population is extremely diverse, and that no one service option fits everyone's needs and expectations. Some people want to be surrounded by people in an active location, others want more solitude. Some want to be around people their own age, others do not want to be ghetto-ized. Some want ownership, others prefer to rent. They found that people wanted a place to "retire and live" rather than an "old people's home to go and die."

DaneAge survey results from 1987 and 1997 were compared, reflecting a trend away from living as cheaply as possible toward a preference for a central location along with access to "nature" and green areas. The DaneAge survey also found a desire by many people for shared accommodations, as a way to provide for needs they might have in the future if they were incapacitated.

Another theme that emerged from various questionnaires was the importance of autonomy -- having control over the little things in life. They found that older people do not want to give up their right to take risks, and do not want to be over-protected. They want to be able to control their own destinies.

Interestingly, one observation was that many people are far more concerned about getting help with practical needs like getting a roof fixed than finding care assistance, and they put a high value on features like an on-site handyman to help out. Many older people saw freedom from home maintenance as a compelling reason to move to a retirement home.

A HOPE questionnaire found that most older people expected that the government would provide financing for their care needs, and don't mind paying more taxes if they are used this way.

The report also notes that more and more large provider chains are emerging in Europe, which is changing the face of the industry. Some people who resonded to the questionnaire express concern about that trend, and a fear that these "super providers" will dominate the future, and damage the ability of non-profit providers to survive.