We have failed to shelter our social care sector and our elderly. The steep numbers from the ONS (“One in four care home deaths in England and Wales involve Covid-19, ONS figures suggest”) remind us of what we have lost and still have to lose. But the future does not have to be bleak.
We need to redesign our care homes to defeat the virus and the loneliness that stems from it. Natural light and ventilation, balconies and video-conferencing systems are just a few inexpensive steps. We urge town planners and local authorities to include intergenerational communities in their plans. Only 10 per cent of local authorities have a specific policy in place to address housing for older people. This would keep friendships and families alive for the 440,000 in care homes, and the 3.8 million over the age of 65.
Anne-Marie Nicholson, Partner at architects PRP
Editor's reply
Dear Anne-Marie
The popularity of smartphones and tablet computers has created a generation of tech-savvy pensioners. Your idea of creating a network of video-conferencing facilities within care homes is inspired. Many residents choose to remain in their rooms and communicate with family remotely rather than mix with other residents. A vaccine, may not offer more vulnerable groups complete protection from Covid.
As such, “keeping yourself to yourself” would seem to be a habit likely to be adopted my many more. Redesigned care homes can help to keep the elderly safe but not isolated.
Ross Lydall, Health Editor
Plane speaking
How magnanimous of Heathrow chief John Holland-Kaye to acknowledge that people under the flightpath are benefiting from the absence of planes. Studies prove the harm done by planes powering overhead every 90 seconds for half the day. If Holland-Kaye builds a third runway, we’ll be deprived of even that half day’s respite.
Elizabeth Balsom
