FLATS OR HOMES?

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLV, Issue 21186, 5 November 1938, Page 11

FLATS OR HOMES?

HOUSING FOR OLD PEOPLE The recommendation of the Scottish Housing Advisory Committee that before building new two-apartment houses or hostels for aged persons living alone the possibilities should first be exhausted of finding accommodation for them in existing houses brings up the whole question of housing for the aged with the special conditions which are needed, states “The Manchester Guardian.” It has to be recognised that the houses are those in which probably they will end their days. This implies growing feebleness and illness with the necessity for someone to look after them, unless they are to be turned out of their homes. In many of the big blocks of flats this need is provided for by giving the old people housing room on the ground floor, where they can come and go easily, and where they are within reach of helpful neighbours. These flats are, however, often extremely dark and they are often nearest to the children and therefore to a great deal of noise. Putting a large number of old people together does not seem feasible, unless the buildings or institutions are such that a nursing service goes with them. A more normal method is that adopted by the Oxted District in some of its new houses. This consists of a group of five houses, with a small house at each end of the group, and next on each side a larger house, made by taking in the top storey of the middle house. This leaves a couple of rooms in the middle on the ground floor, which is for the old person or persons. They can be easily helped by their neighbours. They can go in and out easily and they have plenty of light and air. In the towns it would almost seem as though something of the sort could be done—at least, where the small terrace of houses still exists.