Care & Repair welcomes report on cost of poor housing

Poor housing costs the NHS in Wales around £67m a year, according to new research published today. The report 'The Cost of Poor Housing in Wales', jointly funded by Shelter Cymru and the Building Research Establishment (BRE) Trust, calculates the costs to the NHS of treating accidents and illnesses caused by problems in the home such as unsafe steps, electrical hazards, excessive cold, damp and mould.

Commenting on the report, Chris Jones, Managing Director of Care & Repair Cymru said: "This report is timely, and adds to the growing body of evidence that investing in housing saves money in the NHS and social care. The report identifies older people as particularly susceptible to accidents in the home from falls, and cold and damp related illness. Care & Repair services focus on stitch in time preventative works such as adaptations, repairs, security and home insulation that keep older people living safely at home and out of hospital and residential care. The average cost of adapting a person's home is £6,500, compared to £27,000 per year for residential care or £28,000 for hip replacement surgery.

The Rapid Response Adaptation Programme delivered by Care & Repair across Wales saves NHS and social services £7.50 for every £1 spent by keeping older people out of hospital and residential care, and by helping them return home from hospital quicker. This type of investment makes great sense, and also keeps older people where they want to be - in the homes and communities they live in. We need to do more of this for the benefit of older people and communities and we will be working closely with the new WAG administration to ensure the links are made between good quality housing and savings to health."

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For further information on CRC, please contact:

 Edwina O’Hart, Care & Repair Cymru

T: 02920 557414 or M: 07791898497 E: edwina-ohart@chcymru.org.uk

 Vera Brinkworth, Care & Repair Cymru

T: 02920 576286 or M: 07776 307116 E: vera.brinkworth@careandrepair.org.uk

Note to Editors

Care & Repair Cymru is the national body for Care & Repair in Wales, and the Older Persons Housing Champion.

The 22 Care & Repair Agencies across Wales help older people to remain living in their own homes with increased independence and dignity. This is achieved by carrying out and facilitating adaptations, repairs and improvements for older people in their own homes.