The Housing Learning and Improvement Network (LIN), formerly responsible for managing the Department of Health’s (DH) Extra Care Housing capital programme, now defines itself as ‘the leading knowledge hub for a growing network of housing, health and social care professionals in England involved in planning, commissioning, designing, funding, building and managing housing with care for older people’.
Whilst its focus is on housing with care for for older people, it also involves itself with the housing with care provision for people with a disability. Its website comprises many housing-related resources, including information on Extra Care Housing.
It also publishes regular ‘Viewpoint’ articles by guest contributors. The latest makes interesting reading: “Housing LIN Viewpoint No 63 draws attention to some of the current issues faced by both managers and front line workers when working with the Safeguarding Agenda and the Mental Capacity Act. It also looks at some thorny issues, like the importance of the ability of staff to communicate clearly, and the omnipresent cuts in training budgets. Whilst not seeking to give definitive answers, it is hoped that the topics will provide a starting point for further thought and discussion”.
The article is written by Paul Craven, Director of 360 Degrees Training (a company which trains care workers), and is obviously based on personal experiences. It is only 10 pages long and well worth reading.