Elderly encouraged to think about home improvements

21/02/2008

People heading towards old age can ensure they are able to remain living in their own home by future-proofing their property, according to a charity.

The annual bill for living in a care home is in the region of £23,000, but every year thousands of elderly people feel forced to move into such establishments because they are worried they cannot cope in their own property.

Mervyn Kohler of Help The Aged told the Manchester Evening News this is largely due to the UK's housing stock not being adequate for the needs of an ageing population.

He added: "People see going into a care home as a necessity rather than a choice and feel their independence is being taken from them."

The charity would like to see legislation introduced to ensure all new build homes are future-proof, but until that happens the emphasis is on homeowners to look at the improvements they can make to their properties.

While a stairlift may be the first thing that comes to mind, there are many smaller measures designed for bathrooms and kitchens which can help improve an elderly person's quality of life, such as lever for taps, shower seats, grab rails and raised toilet seats.

Pensioners could also benefit from schemes such as Warm Front which provide grants to upgrade boilers and install insulation.