The Housing Agency, Age Friendly Ireland and The Departments of Health and Housing, Local Government and Heritage have launched AgeFriendlyHomes.ie, a new website providing resources, guidance and information on housing for our ageing population.
On AgeFriendlyHomes.ie you will find information on new and existing homes, grants and funding, healthcare, design information, technology, public realm, regulations, policy and research.
Watch the video below to get a brief overview of the website’s key features.
The Age Friendly Homes website contains an array of information to support the development of Age Friendly Housing, such as case studies, research, funding information and design templates.
Marking its launch, Chief Executive Officer of The Housing Agency, John O’Connor, said:
“The launch of AgeFriendlyHomes.ie marks a significant milestone in The Housing Agency’s work in housing for our ageing population. We have been delighted to collaborate with all of the different stakeholders in its creation.
“The website provides a central hub for resources, guidance and information on housing. We hope that everyone involved in the provision of homes for older people – from local authorities and approved housing bodies to architects, other construction professionals and the general public – will find the website useful and be encouraged to think more closely about the needs of our citizens as we grow older.”
The website was launched on Tuesday 22 June 2021 by Minister of State for the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, with responsibility for Local Government and Planning Peter Burke TD, and Minister of State for the Department of Health, with responsibility for Mental Health and Older People Mary Butler TD.
A suite of Age Friendly Housing Resources by Age Friendly Ireland was also launched.
Speaking at the launch Minister Burke said:
“Providing a range of housing options that respond to needs across the community is a priority of government and of my Department. The Programme for Government outlines a vision of an Age Friendly Ireland and contains a commitment to Housing for All. Having a safe home is a cornerstone of a decent quality of life. It commits to providing affordable public and social homes and increasing housing stock by over 50,000 over the next five years, the majority of which is to be built by local authorities. The government will ensure that an appropriate mix of housing design types is provided, including universally designed units, and accommodation for older people and people with disabilities.”
Also speaking at the launch Minister Butler commented:
“When we think about later life, most of us would prefer to stay as long as possible in our own homes, surrounded by friends, loved ones, and the familiar setting of our community. Our ambition as a government is to do everything we can to support older people to continue living at home with dignity and independence.
“These resources and website will make a valuable contribution in enabling older people to lead healthy lives at home for longer.They will contribute to a greater awareness of standards for Age-Friendly Housing, and the options people have as they grow older with regard to housing adaptations and other choices. Older people must have choice when it comes to housing, and their voice must be placed at the centre of all Age Friendly Housing developments.”
