THE University of Stirling is to lead a new research project, which also involves the University of St Andrews, which intends to identify the current and future needs to help older and disabled people live independently in Scotland.
A group of housing bodies has commissioned the research, which will led by professor of social policy, Vikki McCall, the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA), the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) and the Association of Local Authority Chief Housing Officers (ALACHO).
Concerns have been raised about the lack of funding and lengthy wait times for residents to get the right aids and adaptions – such as grab rails, stairlifts, and walk-in showers – to support their health needs.
Researchers from the Intersectional Stigma of Place-based Ageing (ISPA) project will look at the current and future demand for aids and adaptations and reforms needed to support people to continue to live as independently as they can in their own homes, including when they return following a stay in hospital.
ISPA is a collaboration between the University of Stirling and the University of St Andrews, Newcastle University, and University of Bristol.
“Adaptations can prevent falls and injuries, reduce overall hospital admissions and support independent living, allowing residents to age well at home and in the community.
“This research highlights the importance of adaptations for older and/or disabled people in helping with the day-to-day activities that everyone takes for granted – eating, sleeping, bathing and moving about in your home safely. We simply need more support in terms of improving our homes for healthy ageing and future-proofing our current housing stock.”
Sally Thomas, SFHA chief executive, added, “Housing associations are at the forefront of providing appropriate and timely adaptations – from grabrails to large scale adaptations such as extensions for wet-rooms.
“Yet our members constantly tell us that the current policy and funding systems are complex and place too much emphasis on the type of housing, rather than the needs of older and disabled people.
“Following the hugely concerning announcement by the UK Government of drastic cuts to the social security budget, this research is vital to find out the funding, systems and support needed to meet these needs.”
The findings of the research are expected this summer and will inform discussions with political parties ahead of the 2026 Scottish Parliamentary elections.
