Onsite Spas and Bistros: The New Face of Residential Care in the UK
The UK’s elderly population may be treated to a five-star lifestyle in their retirement, according to new plans announced by the British government this week. Around 76 million pounds (invested annually over three years) will be pumped into building luxury developments specifically designed for the needs of senior citizens. And many of them will come complete with sought-after facilities such as spas, hairdressers, bistros and landscaped gardens on site.
Encouraging Independence
Billed as a solution to an ageing population, around 3,000 of the new style ‘supported living’ care homes have already been built, and it’s intended that they will eventually replace traditional care homes. The ultimate aim of the homes is to allow the older people to stay independent for longer. Specially trained staff will be on site to offer assistance in the case of an emergency, or if residents are suffering with mobility issues, ill-health and degenerative illnesses such as dementia. Many sites will take the form of a collection of individual flats, each with their own front door, yet housed within a secure unit that’s staffed twenty-four hours a day.
Combatting Loneliness through Communities
While the list of ‘luxury’ facilities may sound extravagant, it’s all designed to encourage a sense of community whilst still allowing elderly citizens the chance to access services they’ve always used, and without which they could become isolated. Around 2 million people over the age of 75 are currently living alone in Great Britain. Loneliness is cited by the NHS as a major cause of depression for older people, many of whom have lost friends or cannot get around as well as they used to. The new style housing within a communal set up, is designed to facilitate the socialisation of residents. Shared areas allow residents to mingle and a sense of community to be built.
Utilising Technology for an Older Population
As the UK’s population grows, it’s also getting older. Over 65s now make up nearly 20% of the populace. Many of this group will end up in hospital or residential care much sooner than is actually needed; in turn putting pressure on an already-stretched health care system. Technology is already being utilised to keep people independent for longer in homes. Personal alarms for senior citizens are one such example and can be used to raise an alarm meaning somebody can be with the patient within minutes. Similarly, many of the new supported living homes will also be built with smart technology embedded, which could allow live monitoring of a patients’ symptoms.
The UK’s health and social care services are being stretched to the limit by its ageing population but supported living could be an unconventional answer to a full blown health care crisis.
