Meeting the Needs of Visually Impaired People Living in Lifetime Homes |
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| Authors: | Clíona Rooney Karim Hadjri Máirin Rooney Verity Faith Keith McAllister Cathy Craig |
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| Affiliation: | 1. School of Planning Architecture and Civil Engineering, Queens University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Irelandcrooney21@qub.ac.uk;3. Construction and Environment, School of Architecture, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK;4. Department of Education, St. Angela's College (National University of Ireland Galway), Sligo, Ireland;5. School of Planning Architecture and Civil Engineering, Queens University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland;6. School of Psychology, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland |
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| Abstract: | ABSTRACTThis article explores perceptions on the suitability and effectiveness of Lifetime Homes standards (LTHS) for those with visual impairment in Northern Ireland. LTHS are a series of mandatory United Kingdom public-sector housing design interventions, providing a model for ensuring accessible and adaptable homes throughout an occupant's life span. An aging demographic with increasing incidence of diabetes has led to rising numbers of elderly, visually impaired people wanting to remain in their homes for longer. Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 key stakeholders and thematically analyzed. Although findings show that employing LTHS offers benefits to visually impaired residents, shortcomings were also identified. Evidence indicates a need for policy makers, health-care professionals, and housing associations to modify practices to better meet the housing needs of visually impaired people. Findings may also be applicable to those with other impairments and disabilities in relation to housing for elderly residents. |
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| Keywords: | Lifetime Homes visual impairment housing standards aging in place |
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