Housing

Functions of a Home

A home isn't just a shelter—it's a place for meeting the needs of its members.

Four Main Functions:

1. Physical needs: Shelter, warmth, rest, food, and hygiene facilities.
2. Educational needs: A quiet space to study, research tools like internet access.
3. Emotional needs: Safety, privacy, and feeling secure.
4. Social needs: Space to spend time with family and friends.

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Types of Housing

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Choosing a House

Factors to Consider:

5. Cost: Budget restrictions.
6. Location: Proximity to schools, work, and safety of the area.
7. Availability: Limited housing in some areas (e.g., Dublin).
8. Size: Suitable for the family's needs.
9. Special needs: Adaptations for disabilities (e.g., wheelchair ramps).
10. Energy efficiency: Homes with good BER ratings save energy. A BER rating (Building Energy Rating) shows how energy-efficient a house is, ranging from A (very efficient) to G (very inefficient).
11. Style of house: Matches family lifestyle.

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Communities

A community is a group of people living in the same area.

Communities offer services and amenities:

• Services:
  • Statutory: Schools, libraries, post offices.
  • Voluntary: Sports clubs, youth groups, charities.
• Amenities:
  • Natural: Parks, rivers, forests.
  • Human-made: Gyms, playgrounds, and sports fields.