Housing (health and wellbeing needs in South Tyneside)
Level of need
Households were asked which housing options that they would consider in the future; that they felt would meet their needs. The percentage below highlights that renting in later life in something that some older households would consider. However, it is not known whether this is due to a lack of suitable alternatives to purchase.
Source: Strategic Housing Market Assessment Residential Survey 2013
- This clearly points to demand for renting by older residents, especially those who have support needs. From previous research it is suggested that this is often due to low incomes and the inability to undertake repairs and maintenance to their home; the 'fixed cost' of living in this type of accommodation makes it more attractive to those in this situation. It is also more likely that independent housing with low level support is within the social rented sector rather than there being an option within the private sector to purchase.
- The Housing LIN have produced an analytical tool to estimate the need for older person's housing; this takes into account the current population, population projections and the current supply of accommodation. These projections are split by housing type and tenure.
- A lower percentage of older people could afford to purchase a property in the borough or pay current private rent levels; although this differs considerably between locations and current tenure. Those older households currently living within Hebburn and South Shields Inner have the lowest income levels and are least likely to be able to afford open market housing. Not surprisingly all those living within social rented accommodation are unable to afford an alternative tenure; and those within unfurnished privately rented housing within South Shields Inner are currently struggling to pay their rent.
- Notwithstanding this, many older households were unaware of the value of the property and hence their equity this would have a significant impact on their ability to purchase suitable accommodation. The cost of bungalows on the open market within the borough, are at a premium, making them out of the reach of many of the older households who are currently resident in South Tyneside. The mix of future housing development needs to be considered to meet the changing requirements of residents.
Require | Now % of all households in the borough | In next 5 years % of all households in the borough |
Better Heating | 7.7 | 8.0 |
More insulation | 7.7 | 4.5 |
Double glazing | 7.0 | 4.9 |
Adaptations to kitchen | 4.4 | 2.8 |
Adaptations to bathroom | 6.7 | 4.7 |
Internal grab rails | 2.9 | 2.8 |
External grab rails | 1.8 | 2.1 |
Downstairs WC | 2.6 | 2.9 |
Stair lift/ vertical lift | 1.8 | 3.0 |
Improvements to access in and around the home | 1.2 | 1.3 |
Wheelchair adaptations (door widening) | 1.0 | 1.4 |
Level door handles | 0.5 | 0.7 |
Community alarm service | 1.3 | 1.5 |
Security alarm | 5.0 | 2.1 |
Extension/loft conversion | 2.3 | 4.3 |
Assistance | Now % of all households in the borough | In next 5 years % of all households in the borough |
Help with repair and maintenance of home | 10.4 | 9.9 |
Help with gardening | 9.9 | 7.6 |
Help with cleaning home | 6.3 | 5.4 |
Help with other practical tasks | 5.0 | 3.7 |
Help with personal care | 3.4 | 2.9 |
Want company/friendships | 2.6 | 2.3 |
- Again these tables point to the need for more adapted accommodation to meet the changing needs of our residents, the current budget cannot address this level of need. Without these adaptations it is suggested that some households will be living in unsuitable accommodation, which can lead to higher risk factors associated with their health and well-being.