OTnews October 2021 | Page 8

NEWS
Over half of Brits say they won ’ t be able to live in their home if they become disabled
Over half of British adults say they will have to leave their homes if they become physically disabled , new research commissioned by Habinteg Housing Association reveals .
The YouGov survey , published on 12 September , shows that 55 per cent of British adults who do not have a mobility difficultly think they would not be able to live in their current home , due to its design and layout , if they become physically disabled .
The survey , which was commissioned as part of Habinteg ’ s annual # ForAccessibleHomes week , found that of those who said they would have to move , 77 per cent identified internal steps and stairs as the main reason for having to leave their home .
Meanwhile , 48 per cent of British adults felt that their bathroom was not accessible enough , and 44 per cent said that steps up to the front door would be a significant issue if they were to become physically disabled .
The survey also invited people to consider the needs of some of the older people that they know . Just over a third ( 36 per cent ) of adults know someone aged 65 and over who they think would need to find a suitable home as their mobility needs change . Of that 36 per cent , three in five ( 59 per cent ) felt that it would be difficult to find a suitable property .
These findings come just six weeks after the Government published its disability strategy . Among eight commitments on housing , the strategy promises further research and a response to the 2020 consultation on raising accessibility standards for new homes .
Habinteg ’ s chief executive , Nick Apetroaie , said : ‘ It ’ s no surprise that the majority of people who responded to our survey feared that their home wouldn ’ t be suitable if they were to become physically disabled .
‘ Adequate housing is fundamental to inclusion and equality for disabled and older people , but there ’ s simply not enough supply for the growing demand . The Government ’ s disability strategy promises
Accessible homes are vital so that disabled and older people can live independently
more research into inclusive and accessible housing . However , we need action fast , rather than more research to solve the immediate and long term needs of the population .
‘ What the Government does or doesn ’ t do next will affect disabled and older people for many generations to come . We urge them to raise accessibility standards for new homes in their response to the consultation ; it ’ s now make or break for accessible homes .’
Jacquel Runnalls , accessible and inclusive housing lead for the RCOT Specialist Section in Housing , added : ‘ It ’ s often not until people reach crisis point that they realise their homes are unsuitable to meet their long term needs , and , depending on the circumstances , moving home or adapting isn ’ t always possible or ideal for the individual .
‘ It ’ s therefore vital that we push for accessible and adaptable standards in all new homes if our housing is going to become genuinely inclusive and stand the test of time for current and future generations .’
Find out more at www . habinteg / FAH and read Jacquel ’ s blog ‘ Why are we still making do with homes that are not fit for purpose ? At : www . habinteg . org . uk / foraccessiblehomes-news / why-are-westill-making-do-with-homes-that-are-not-fit-for-purpose-1769 .
Lack of vital therapy in schools for children and young people
Around 70 per cent of occupational therapists are not currently able recover from the pandemic , and this includes working on a daily to provide the occupational therapy that children and young people basis with children and young people across the UK . need , a survey carried out by RCOT has found .
‘ The pandemic has proved a huge challenge for children and
Some of the key barriers cited for this significant figure young people with additional needs and disabilities over the past include : restricted access to schools ; workforce issues , including year and a half . Whether dealing with loss of education or the understaffed teams ; increased demand for occupational therapy and mental health crisis as they return to education children and young a backlog of cases ; and family circumstances or concerns affecting people need as much support as possible , including that offered by access to telehealth or face-to-face support . occupational therapists .
Other key findings are that : 62 per cent of occupational therapists ‘ These survey results are truly concerning , and with over 80 per have encountered schools that are reluctant to allow therapists cent of respondents reporting an increase in demand , we need the to visit ; of these , 83 pr cent had encountered reluctance from provision , funding and workforce to be fit for the future and deliver for mainstream schools and 48 per cent from special schools ; and children and young people .’ workforce pressures are a significant factor when it comes to being RCOT recently met with Vicky Ford , Minister of State for Children able to provide therapy support , with over half of respondents and Families , to discuss access to therapies ( OTnews , July 2021 , reporting understaffing . page 6 ) and will continue to work with governments across the UK to Commenting on the survey results , Steve Ford , RCOT chief said : address the findings of the survey . The full survey report can be found
‘ Occupational therapists have played a vital role in helping people at : www . rcot . co . uk / occupational-therapy-children-and-young-people .
8 OTnews October 2021