Government unveils taskforce chair to boost older people’s housing

A new taskforce to help improve housing options for older people will be headed by Professor Julienne Meyer, the government has announced.

Professor Meyer, an expert in care for older people, will chair the Older People’s Housing Taskforce, leading work to support the growth of an older people’s housing sector across the country.

The taskforce will work across housing, heath, and care sectors to drive an increase in the volume and range of housing options and make recommendations to the government.

Housing Minister Rachel Maclean said: ‘Making sure older people can access the right homes that meet their needs later in life is a government priority. And by unlocking more housing for older people, we can also have a hugely beneficial impact on their health and wellbeing.

‘I am very excited to have Professor Meyer leading this taskforce, as we radically improve the choices available to older people, whether that’s retirement housing or support to help people live independently for longer.’

Professor Meyer said: ‘I am delighted to be leading the taskforce, an opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of older people. Working between housing, health and social care will be critical to its success and I’m looking forward to advising government on proposals that give older people more choices in later life.’

The taskforce will run for up to 12 months and will produce an independent report to ministers at the Department for Health and Social Care and the Department for Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, with interim findings available after six months.

The panel is expected to include up to 14 members with expertise from the social and private retirement sector, local government, adult social care, and from investors and developers.

Professor Meyer co-founded My Home Life, an international collaborative initiative to promote quality of life in care homes for older people. A former nurse, she has led research in care for older people at City University in London for 23 years. During her career, she worked in a variety of different settings including health, social care, and housing.

She will work with the government to finalise the taskforce membership and the group’s terms of reference, with a first meeting to take place by spring once all members are confirmed.

Image: Sava Bobov