Steve Loveland
Head of Clann, Clann
While ‘downsizing’ has traditionally been used to describe older people moving into smaller homes, the term ‘rightsizing’ is being adopted by age-friendly housing associations to create living spaces tailored to individual needs.
Steve Loveland, Head of Clann, says: “We are not sheltered housing; we are age-friendly, social housing. Rightsizing simply means moving to a home that better suits your needs later in life. It’s about choice, autonomy and re-engaging with life.”
We have housing officers on site to support
our residents, but the focus here is on
connection, belonging and community.
Comfort and community engagement
Established in 2021, Clann provides a means to age-in-place in social and affordable housing, offering security of tenure in a safe and inclusive environment, where the essence of community lies in relationships formed. “The community not only benefits our residents; it also brings reassurance to families knowing loved ones are not living in isolation but are part of a vibrant, welcoming environment,” says Loveland.
Communal areas are designed to foster a sense of community, making it easier for residents to connect and participate. “We have housing officers on site to support our residents, but the focus here is on connection, belonging and community,” he adds.
Developing a comprehensive design guide for developers, Loveland emphasises accessible and thoughtful design: “When you design for those with the highest needs, you create homes that work for everyone. We are creating age-friendly, universally designed homes that allow people to age well.”
Collaboration for a successful future
Working closely with local authorities and community partners, Clann aims to play an active role in creating a future where older people can live independently, as part of a vibrant and supportive community. “Innovation is the natural by-product of collaboration,” says Loveland. “No single organisation can meet the complex and evolving needs of an ageing population, but we are playing our part to create a future where ageing is met with opportunity, dignity and respect.”
As an added benefit, when older people move into age-appropriate housing, they free up family homes, creating more affordable housing for younger generations. The publicly available, annual Simon Brooke lecture aims to address the challenge of social stigma around age-friendly housing, recognising and learning from excellence in housing policy and practice.
