Care & Repair Cymru - Report on the State of Older People's Housing in Wales

Older People in Wales are Facing a Housing Crisis New Report Reveals

Thousands of older people in Wales are living in dangerous housing and need urgent help to maintain their safety and independence, a new report reveals.

According to The State of Older People’s Housing in Wales report, from the charity Care & Repair Cymru, thousands of vulnerable older adults are at risk of ill health and hospitalisation because of the condition of their home.

Over 56,000 low-income older people needed urgent and essential repairs and adaptations to their homes last year, and it is predicted that figure will rise in 2023.

Chris Jones, Care & Repair Cymru Chief Executive, said:

“Our new report shows that older people’s housing in Wales is in desperate need of further investment. The cost-of-living crisis, the global pandemic and UK political uncertainty has caused a perfect storm that has led to a decline in housing conditions in the homes of our older generations.

“Our caseworkers are finding that client’s housing and health needs are more complex than ever before. This naturally means that the solutions are more complex, but with the cost of materials rising, fewer reliable contractors available, and a lack of funding to support those on low incomes, arranging repairs is a growing challenge.”

Using evidence gathered from over 22,000 older people in Wales, and the home visits Care & Repair undertakes for each, a worrying picture of the state of housing is revealed.

Older people are more likely than any other demographic to own their own home, but the report shows that this is not always the privilege it is made out to be. Wales has the oldest housing stock in Western Europe, with 26% of housing built before 1919. This means they are typically thermally inefficient, require more maintenance and are more likely to need renovation.

Care & Repair Cymru believes that the introduction of a safety net housing disrepair grant, for lowest-income older homeowners, would solve many of the issues, make older people’s homes safe and habitable and move thousands of vulnerable older adults out of harm’s way. This would in turn lead to better health and well-being, reduce hospital admissions and visits to the GP and help reduce pressures on the NHS.

Becky Ricketts, Care & Repair Cymru Policy Officer, said:  

“We do not believe that older people should live in a hazardous home or live without dignity due to being on low income. That’s why a national safety net grant programme is needed. It would give vulnerable older homeowners access to urgent and essential repairs.

“Last year, we supported over 56,000 older people across Wales through our interventions. This means that 56,000 older people in Wales are living in safer, warmer, more accessible homes and with more money in their pocket, thanks to our work.”

To read the full report go to: www.careandrepair.org.uk/housing2023

Source: Care & Repair Cymru