Wel_hops project results and continuity

The  final results of the European Wel_hops project were presented at an August seminar held at Lizzano in Belvedere (Bologna, Italy).

“Older  Persons  Housing  Design: A European Good Practice Guide” is now  available on the Wel_hops website at www.welhops.net. The Guidelines are presented  in a reader friendly non-technical way, aimed at bridging the gap   in   communication   and   understanding between  older  people, commissioners, designers, developers and architects.

By ensuring new developments and refurbishment projects incorporate good practice  from  the  Guide that is relevant to the needs of the projects residents, we are  increasing  the  ability  of  older  people to live independently in their own homes for as long as possible.

If  you  would  like  a  printed  copy  of  the Guidelines, available in English,  Spanish,  Italian,  Hungarian and Swedish, please contact your regional representative.

Despite  the  official  close  of  the  project, our work and efforts to promote  the  Guidelines  will  continue.  It will take time, possibly a number  of  years,  for the Guidelines to be accepted throughout Europe, particularly where they challenge traditional views.

We hope that the Guidelines and website will become a point of reference in welfare housing policies for older people and we warmly thank all the people that have contributed to Wel_hops projects success.

Photo: wel_hops group (Foto Marchi Porretta Terme, Lizzano in Belvedere, 23/08/07)