The Government has said in an announcement today that they plan for greater use of home adaptations as a way of allowing people to stay in their homes for much longer. The British Healthcare Trades Association, whose members provide equipment which helps people stay at home, believe this could be a way of saving the Government millions of pounds on elderly care costs, and more importantly, improve quality of life for a generation who are living longer and want to stay at home.

The new Government’s pledge could dramatically change the way we think about long term care for the elderly. Industry believes better use of assisitive technology and equipment could transform people’s homes. Stairlifts, bathing aids, beds, pressure area care products and hoists, along with wheel chairs, hand rails and many simple aids to daily living can make a real difference and can give independence to individuals.

Commenting on today’s announcement, Ray Hodgkinson MBE, Director General of the BHTA said:

‘I’m delighted that the Government have made this important announcement. It could make a real difference to people’s lives and with an aging population it makes economic sense for people to stay at home longer.

We will now urgently put forward ideas to Government on how industry can help make this pledge a reality.’