Andy Burnham's plans for the future of social care, which place a greater focus on helping older people receive support at home, have prompted a warning from a mobility expert regarding the suitability of homes for ageing residents.
Neil McKenzie, a home safety expert at Halton Stairlifts, stated that conversations around social care must consider the homes people will age in, not just the care they receive. He highlighted that remaining at home is often desired, but homes need to meet changing needs as people get older.
McKenzie advised families to look for early signs that a loved one is struggling with daily life at home, such as avoiding stairs or difficulty moving between rooms. He noted that these issues can increase the risk of falls.
Simple adaptations like adding grab rails, improving lighting, clearing tripping hazards, and installing stairlifts can help people stay safe and independent in their homes for longer. McKenzie stressed that social care reform needs to consider home suitability if more people are to receive care at home.