Housing needs assessment

Space

Are you happy with the number of rooms you have in your home?
Are you happy with the size of the rooms?
Are you happy with the size of the garden?
Is there enough parking space for you and your visitors?

Independence

Are you free to make decisions about it and live in it as you please?
Are you happy with the amount of responsibility you have for the property?
Do you feel as independent as you want to be with family and friends?
Are you able to keep pets?

Costs

Are you able to afford the mortgage or rent?
Are you able to afford to look after the property?
Can you afford to pay for heating, cooking, water etc?
Can you afford extra help around the house and garden?
Can you afford a Home Help for your personal needs?
Can you easily get transport to places you want / need to go?

Your property

Is the roof in good condition?
Is the overall structure in good condition?
Are the gas supply, electric wiring and water supply to the latest standards?
Is the plumbing and drainage good?
Is the heating system ( including insulation) effective?
Are the windows and doors free of drafts and insulated?
Are the garden walls and fences in good condition?
Is the property free from damp?

Home

Do you like it and feel happy with it as your home?
Can you keep as warm as you want?
Is it as light and sunny as you want?
Is it convenient ( can you manage stairs /steps and reach cupboards)?
Is it decorated as you would like?
Can you get in and out of the bath / shower easily?
Are your possessions and furniture arranged to your liking?

Security and safety

Is your home free of hazards that can cause accidents ( e.g. worn carpets, poor lighting, trailing electrical wires)?
If you had a fall and could not reach the phone, are you confident that help would reach you?
Do you feel safe from burglars or attack when inside your home?
Do you feel your home is secure if you go out or away?
Are you happy with the precautions that you have in your home in case of fire?
Are the streets around your home well-lit?
Is there a Neighbourhood Watch scheme in your area?

Location

Is your home convenient for shops, chemists, hospitals and other activities?
Do you feel safe in the street?
Do you like the neighbourhood?
Is the area quiet and as stress free as you want?
Is it easy to get to family and friends?
Is the local bus service convenient?
Are you able to access Dial-a-Ride, taxi or volunteer driver services?

Managing at Home

Can you manage keeping your house clean?
Are you able to have a bath or shower?
Are you able to shop for yourself?
Can you manage doing laundry and ironing?
Can you manage cooking?
Are you able to manage minor repairs and maintenance (changing a light bulb or a fuse)?
Can you manage the decorating?
Can you manage looking after the garden?
Are you able to answer the door and the telephone?
Can you get up and down the stairs safely?

Your quality of life

Do you have as much company as you need and not feel lonely?
Do you feel that you can live here with peace of mind for as long as you wish?
Is your home a good place from which to pursue your activities and interests?

Looking to the future

Most people don't discuss or think about the future until it becomes obvious that they are living in a place that no longer meets their needs or abilities. Don't let this happen. This final section is just to help you to think about some of the possibilities.

Will your current housing still suit you...