Real Estate Investor Magazine South Africa September/ October 2019 | Page 59

W HO describes an age-friendly city as one that: ... is an inclusive and accessible urban environment that promotes active ageing … An age-friendly city adapts its structures and services to be accessible to and inclusive of older people with varying needs and capacities. And a lifetime neighbourhood: … is a place where a person’s age doesn’t affect their chances of having a good quality of life. The people living there are happy to bring up children and to grow older – because the services, infrastructure, housing, and public spaces are designed to meet everyone’s needs, regardless of how old they are. “Retirement villages generally refer to estates that cater to over 60s and they normally have on-site healthcare facilities,” says the head of research at New World Wealth, Andrew Amoils. The uniqueness of retirement villages lays in the provision of quality accommodation and care to the aged within a financially sustainable framework What else are Retirement Villages than a city with neighbourhoods? Spatial Planning & Design of retirement villages should be informed by legislation & policies on all scales, from International to building & landscape scale. All retirement villages should be people-centred. In addition, retirement villages should be designed relevant to the site and location selected. The uniqueness of retirement villages lays in the provision of quality accommodation and care to the aged within a financially sustainable framework. In designing sustainable Retirement villages, the following unique requirements need to be addressed: Sustainable communities Retirement Villages should have an appropriate mix of liveable units with a mix of tenure. Retirement Villages should support people with a range of health requirements, from those who are able and healthy, to those with greater health and social care needs (including special needs). The Seven Principles of Universal Design should be designed and implemented: 1. Equitable Use. 2. Flexibility in Use. 3. Simple and Intuitive Use. 4. Perceptible Information. 5. Tolerance for Error. 6. Low Physical Effort. 7. Size and Space for Approach and Use. Independent living Self-contained properties that can be adapted so residents can remain in their homes as their needs increase. To provide a home for life - as far as is practically possible. Retirement villages are primarily housing and it should not look or feel in any way institutional. On-site care team Care staff to provide 24hr support seven days a week. Flexible care services Care based on individual need. A key objective is to maximise the independence of residents. Active ageing Retirement Villages should offer a wide range of communal activities and facilities to promote older people’s well-being and good health. These facilities should be available to the wider community. Intergenerational/community interface Retirement Villages should provide a focal point/ community hub for older people and their carers from the immediate vicinity. Retirement Villages should encourage intergenerational activities and ensure people from the local community can benefit from the facilities available. Building design Age in Place should be promoted in Retirement Villages – Design Guidelines and the integration of urban design principles of the whole Village are essential for successful Retirement Villages. Interior design Designing for not only wheelchair accessible residents but also visually impaired and differently bodied resident. Technology Technology plays an important role in maintaining the independence and security of residents. Smart/Assistive technology should be explored. Intermediate (recuperative) care Retirement Villages can provide for older people’s intermediate care needs - reducing hospital admissions and enabling prompt hospital discharge. Retirement Villages would then offer benefits to local health services, Social Services as well as older people themselves. Outreach/Home Care Retirement Villages can provide outreach services - offering support / care to older people in the local community. Provision for dementia Retirement Villages should incorporate dementia-friendly design principles. Buildings can be designed to accommodate residents with dementia throughout the scheme or have a separate wing for residents with dementia. Security The major priorities in retirement Villages are high-quality security systems that monitor and protect the estate 24-hours a day. Security features include CCTV cameras, street patrolling and controlled entrances and exits, as well as biometric access control systems. Stringent security measures ensure that residents feel an overwhelming sense of protection and peace of mind. The uniqueness or Retirement Villages lies in the collaboration of various consultants and good design. It is of utmost importance that a retirement village is designed by a qualified and registered person- Retirement Villages constitute as special design. The Genius Loci Group seeks to create person-centred and adaptable spaces that improve the quality of life of for those who occupy them. Please direct all enquiries to [email protected] SA Real Estate Investor Magazine SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2019 57