Housing has critical role in addressing dementia, CIH says

The Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) has outlined that the housing sector has a critical role to play in meeting the needs of people living with dementia.

Commissioned by CIH Scotland, Dementia Pathways – Housing’s Role is aimed at providing a better understanding of the contribution that housing staff and services can make to those living with dementia.

The news comes as the Scottish Government has predicted that the number of newly diagnosed cases of dementia will increase from 16,172 in 2014 to 19,473 in 2020 – a rise of 17 per cent.

The study included an extensive survey which found that, despite existing gaps in the knowledge and skills required, an overwhelming majority of housing professionals felt that they have an important role to play in supporting people with dementia.

A total of 385 housing professionals took part in the survey as part of the CIH study.

78 per cent of respondents agreed that housing workers have an important role to play in relation to people with dementia, while 81 per cent thought they had a role in recognising changes in normal patterns of behaviour and signposting to services that improve wellbeing.

The study identifies an important role for housing staff and services at four key stages of an individual’s dementia journey: assisting and supporting early diagnosis; early assessment of the suitability of the home of someone living with dementia; enabling a person with dementia to
remain at or return home quickly; and ensuring holistic consideration of assistance and support as dementia progresses.

Commenting on the release of the research findings, Marian Reid, CIH Scotland deputy director, said: “As an organisation, CIH Scotland is committed to working with our members and other stakeholders to ensure the housing sector is properly equipped to be able to meet the societal challenges of an ageing population.

 “Dementia Pathways – Housing’s Role is a significant piece of research that highlights the critical role of housing professionals in meeting the needs of those living with dementia. At a time when the number of people diagnosed with dementia continues to grow year-on-year, it shows that most housing professionals also recognise the important role they have to play in meeting the needs of people living with dementia. Crucially, the findings include a series of practical recommendations that should help ensure the housing sector has the necessary knowledge and skills to be able to fulfil that role properly in the future.”