Meeting the challenges of keeping senior citizens in their own homes, in their territory

By 2055, over-75s are expected to represent 20% of the regional population, with a higher proportion in rural areas. Several often cumulative factors prevent seniors from ageing at home or in their local community:

• A high share of owner-occupiers living in poorly maintained or unmaintained single-family homes.

• Inadequate housing: lack of lifts, stairlifts, roller shutters, presence of steps, bathtubs, etc.

• Economic insecurity, limiting the ability to undertake renovations, consider relocation, or access adapted housing options such as serviced residences.

• Under-occupancy, which heightens feelings of isolation and injury risks, while increasing maintenance costs and energy insecurity.

• A poorly adapted environment that makes housing feel confining: inadequate roads, no nearby shops, limited adapted public transport, etc.

• Difficulties accessing existing support schemes and services.

• The broader issue of siloed stakeholders.

In the regions, a key challenge is promoting coordination and cross-functionality among the various players (housing, accommodation, urban planning, social, medico-social, and health sectors), via partnership platforms like the Conferences of Inclusive Housing Funders (formerly CFPPA). These players include municipalities and EPCIs, social centers, departments, associations, public housing bodies, mutuals and pension funds, and organizations that promote access to housing (e.g., ADIL, ANAH).

A toolbox structured around 4 key themes

Establishing and sustaining a diagnostic approach:
Diagnostics offer key moments for stakeholders to meet, coordinate, and help local elected officials grasp the challenges of ageing in their territory. A quantitative diagnosis can be paired with a qualitative component, enabling direct consultation with seniors.

Mobilizing stakeholders to build a comprehensive service offering:
Housing is only truly suitable when paired with services that support ageing well and loss of independence. Creating a one-stop shop is an effective lever to improve awareness of and access to services for seniors. These services, ranging from general support to care-related, must be coordinated to ensure seamless assistance.

Acting on private housing and adaptation:
Expanding home support is crucial, given the saturation of medical-social facilities and the limited housing options for those with moderate or low dependency. Energy renovation, occupational therapy, home automation, and upgrading public spaces and building surroundings are key tools to help seniors remain in adapted housing.

Developing inclusive and adapted housing options:
Inclusive housing is increasingly being explored in the context of financing the loss of autonomy. It offers an intermediate solution between staying at home and entering care facilities, providing another step in the residential pathway. Social housing providers, associations, and local governments play a central role in these initiatives.

The concept of territorial tailoring has informed many regional projects that reflect this toolbox. For instance, in Saint-Bonnet-de-Joux (71), the “Bien Vieillir en Val-de-Joux” small housing unit has become a flagship project in this municipality of 764 residents, and has even established links with local schools.

Meeting the challenge of ageing at home is achievable

In conclusion, the toolbox highlights the urgency of addressing the challenge of helping seniors age at home. Breaking down silos and focusing on diagnostics, services, home adaptation, and inclusive housing represent promising levers for improving their quality of life. Local efforts—such as in Saint-Bonnet-de-Joux—demonstrate the strength of these tailored, territory-based approaches.

PS: This content is based on insights from the creation of a toolbox for local stakeholders by DREAL Bourgogne-Franche-Comté.
Louis-Marie Bastier