MOVEABLE granny flats, the repurposing of larger houses and using government land for seniors housing are among the solutions on offer to meet the accommodation needs of older West Australians.
The Ageing with Choice framework, which sets directions for seniors housing in WA for the next five years, was launched by Housing Minister Peter Tinley and Seniors and Ageing Minister Mick Murray.
With the number of West Australians aged 65 and over expected to hit 500,000 by 2026, the framework aims to help people age in the community of their choice and to assist those on low to moderate incomes.
Connect Victoria Park Inc chief executive Luke Garswood said he welcomed the framework, particularly the commitment to redesigning housing assistance services to better suit older people.
"There is currently no single place an older person who is struggling with housing can go to for information, advocacy and support to find a suitable home," Mr Garswood said.
"We know seniors are the fastest group of homeless people in WA, with older women particularly vulnerable."
He also welcomed the trialling of moveable units for social housing.
"Social housing tenants with a family member who has a large backyard have the opportunity to potentially have a granny flat moved into that backyard and pay affordable social housing rents.
"There is also the possibility of leasehold arrangements on government land set aside for road reserves. It is possible for it to be used as a 20- to 30-year arrangement which would meet the housing needs of seniors now."
Mr Garswood said it was encouraging to see the government acknowledge that most older people want to grow old in the communities they know with family, friends and support networks around them.
"Retirement villages don't suit everyone and not everyone can afford them, so a greater range of options is needed."
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