The Gateshead Housing Standard for Ageing Well

The Gateshead Housing Standard for Ageing Well has been developed in response to the housing needs and requirements of the ageing population in Gateshead. The purpose is to set out what our homes should consist of to support us all to age well and thrive in later life whether we stay put or move.
This standard is intended to be used as a best practice guide for any type of home we might live in in later life, whether 'conventional' or 'specialist', owned or rented, new build or existing home. However, it also provides guidance on specific design and features of specialist housing. It is also recognised there may be constraints in relation to adapting and changing existing homes in relation to the content of this guide.

Components of the Gateshead Housing Standard for Ageing Well

The components of the standard have been developed in consultation with local people through a range of qualitative research methods and an online survey which asked people what is important to them about where they live in later life. Each component part provides guidance in relation to how it should be applied to homes for later life in Gateshead, these have been prioritised based on the evidence with local people.

1. Safety and security
2. Remaining independent
3. Affordability
4. Good quality homes that are energy efficient
5. Designing for ageing well
6. Location
7. Inclusivity

This standard is intended to be an aspirational guide rather than a mandatory standard and includes case studies as evidence of what we consider 'good' looks like.

The Gateshead Housing Standard for Ageing Well is intended to be used by commissioners, designers, planners, and developers as a tool when considering providing housing for people as they age across all tenure types.

Complying with this standard will mean that homes in Gateshead will become better suited to the needs and requirements of people in later life. Getting our housing right will have positive impacts for older adults through improved quality of life, health and wellbeing outcomes. In turn this has wider societal benefits by reducing pressure on the NHS and delivering cost savings as people are healthier and happier at home.

View the Gateshead Housing Standard for Ageing Well (PDF, 916 KB) document as a PDF.