Working with housing associations for better patient outcomes
Housing for Health
Housing for Health
Working with housing associations for better patient outcomes Decent housing that’s warm, dry and safe plays a crucial role in people’s health and well-being. As well as providing quality homes to millions of people, many housing associations are leading providers of specialist care and support. This helps people with a range of health issues live independently, enjoying better quality of life and avoiding unnecessary hospital admissions.
There is huge potential for health and housing professionals to work together, to find solutions for better patient outcomes now and to plan for integrated services in the future.
Making the link Housing associations are independent, not-for-profit social businesses and the main source of affordable housing in the country, providing two and a half million homes to five million people. By providing flexible support in a community setting they are often the link between traditional types of care and can reduce the need for more expensive health interventions. They also connect people to the support that can help them live safe, independent lives.
Examples include housing associations that offer: â—? reablement after hospital discharge, where support workers help with everything from benefits and home maintenance to prescription collection. â—? dementia-friendly accommodation with a mix of communal facilities, independent space and support with daily living. â—? rehabilitation for people with mental health problems, after acute in-patient admission, that helps them live independently and get back into work, volunteering or training.
Practical action Research by the National Housing Federation shows that GPs understand the importance of housing to patient care but that most don’t feel confident about commissioning these services. Housing associations are keen to address this by making connections with health commissioners, so that where possible they can help GPs support people with long term conditions. With their expertise and knowledge of local communities, housing associations can also help health and wellbeing boards plan to transform the delivery of care for the future.
While full integration of health, housing and social care is a long-term ambition, we have put together a list of things commissioners can do now to start making the home a bigger part of patient care.
● It’s who you know that counts. Find out who your local housing associations are, and the range of services they offer at www.housing.org.uk/health. ● Use housing to support your understanding of local issues. Data from your local housing associations may be useful for local joint strategic needs assessments. ● Think housing. Consider whether a patient may be at risk of hospital admission because they are struggling to live independently. Your local housing partners may be able to help them access the support they need to improve their health and stay in their own home. ● Develop practical partnerships. Some people don’t have regular contact with their GPs. Working with housing partners may help you find new referral routes that address issues before people need acute care. ● Try a different approach to commissioning. If you’re unsure about commissioning housing services, take advantage of local authorities’ expertise in this area. Consider pooling funds or appointing a joint commissioner.
National Housing Federation Lion Court 25 Procter Street London WC1V 6NY Tel: 020 7067 1010 Email: london@housing.org.uk Website: www.housing.org.uk
The National Housing Federation is the voice of affordable housing in England. We believe that everyone should have the home they need at a price they can afford. That’s why we represent the work of housing associations and campaign for better housing. Our members provide two and a half million homes for more than five million people. And each year they invest in a diverse range of neighbourhood projects that help create strong, vibrant communities.
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The National Housing Federation runs iN business for neighbourhoods in partnership with members to promote the neighbourhood work of housing associations.