The health outcomes of housing adaptations

Abstract

In 1999–2000 a team of professionals and researchers carried out the largest research study so far undertaken with recipients of housing adaptations in England and Wales to discover how effectively the adaptations had achieved their objectives. Amongst the findings was evidence that well‐designed adaptations had beneficial, and/or preventative effects on both physical and mental health; that these benefits were long‐term and that they extended beyond the disabled person to help the health of other family members. The evidence presented is linked with key themes from other research to trace in detail the pathways that lead from unadapted or badly adapted housing to mental and physical ill health. It is suggested that these themes, including the meaning of home and the concept of intrusion are vital to understanding how health gains may be achieved through adaptation, and are useful and relevant to the broader debate on links between housing and health.

Notes

∗ School for Policy Studies, University of Bristol, 8 Priory Road, Bristol, BS8 1TZ, UK. Email: [email protected].

Studies that are to include ‘before’ and ‘after’ health, or quality of life or dependency measures need to last at least 3–5 years, but funding has not so far been made available. Stewart and Lloyd‐Smith (2002), for example, have recently undertaken exactly the kind of well‐conducted proper trial of outcomes that is needed, but their work was funded for just 12 months. At the time when the research was concluded, therefore, only six out of the 28 adaptations recommended by an OT during the course of the research had actually been installed and these did not include any of the 13 level access showers, for example.

John Winfield was one of the two disabled researchers who took part in the study being reported here, and the input of his thinking into my understanding and approach has been of great importance.

This is a simplification, of course. Forbat's (2002) work provides material for more subtle thought.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Frances Heywood ∗

∗ School for Policy Studies, University of Bristol, 8 Priory Road, Bristol, BS8 1TZ, UK. Email: [email protected].