More than half a million households in England present a significant fall risk for their elderly occupants.These homes urgently require repairs or modifications.The latest analysis of our report State of Ageing 2025 reveals a true postcode lottery.
More than 500,000 homes led by individuals over the age of 55 are dangerous in terms of fall risk on stairs. This figure equates to the total number of households in Birmingham, highlighting the scale of the issue. The situation varies greatly by region, with homeowners in the East of England having 11 times more risk than those in the North East. Additionally, households owned by individuals aged 55 to 64 present a three times higher risk than rental properties.
The number of homes in England presenting a fall risk for elderly people is comparable to a city larger than Birmingham
In England, more than half a million homes represent a fall risk for their elderly occupants. This alarming situation corresponds to the total number of households in Birmingham, one of the largest cities in the country. According to the latest report titled State of Ageing 2025, more than 500,000 households led by people over the age of 55 present significant dangers, particularly on stairs. These statistics reveal an urgency to intervene to secure these homes and protect seniors from domestic accidents.
Which regions are most at risk in England?
The detailed analysis in our report highlights a postcode lottery regarding housing safety. Homeowners aged 55 and over in the East of England are 11 times more likely to live in a home with an increased fall risk on stairs, with a rate of 11%, compared to only 1% in the North East. This geographic disparity raises crucial questions about accessibility and housing quality in different regions.
This significant gap underscores the need for targeted regional attention. For example, the postcode lottery to find accessible housing explores how some areas are better equipped than others to meet the needs of elderly individuals. Local initiatives must be strengthened to reduce these inequalities and ensure consistent protection across the country.
Homeowners vs. tenants: what are the differences in terms of safety?
The report reveals a clear difference between owner-occupied homes and rented housing regarding fall risk. Among households led by individuals aged 55 to 64, the risk of falls is three times higher in homes owned by their owners (7%) than in socially rented (2%) or privatized (2%) housing. This disparity indicates that homeowners may sometimes neglect the necessary adaptations to make their homes safe.
Housing owners often have fewer financial incentives to invest in safety improvements, unlike landlords who must comply with stricter safety standards mandated by rental contracts. Encouraging homeowners to make adaptations, such as installing grab bars or repairing uneven floors, could significantly reduce the number of domestic falls.
What investments can prevent falls and save money?
Investing in fall prevention is not only a safety measure but also an economically advantageous strategy. Installing grab bars or repairing uneven floors costs less than £1,500 per property. This initial investment pays off in less than seven years through savings on NHS healthcare costs related to treatments for elderly individuals injured at home. Falls are one of the main reasons for emergency service calls among seniors, and preventing these accidents can significantly relieve pressure on the healthcare system.
Moreover, adapting production and commerce to the needs of seniors helps create a more secure and accessible environment. Housing improvement initiatives must be supported by financial incentives and grants to encourage homeowners to undertake necessary modifications.
What do experts say about fall prevention?
Dr. Carole Easton, OBE, Chief Executive of the Centre for Ageing Better, emphasizes the importance of preventive measures:
“We all know that the NHS is under enormous pressure. Preventive measures are a key way to reduce pressures on services and costs. Adaptations to prevent falls cost a fraction of the savings they allow for the NHS and society as a whole. There are compelling reasons why we need to do more to ensure that homes are built to higher accessibility standards and that residents can easily find the support they need to improve their homes and eliminate fall risks.”
These statements highlight the crucial role of home adaptations in fall prevention. Millie Brown, Deputy Director for Housing at the Centre for Ageing Better, adds:
“The government’s future national housing strategy must include explicit commitments to address the crisis of poor-quality housing in our country. It must be supported by long-term funding that will finance a national network of Good Home Hubs, giving everyone the opportunity to live in a safe home without jeopardizing their health.”
What actions must the government take?
To address this issue, it is imperative that the government takes concrete steps to improve the quality and accessibility of housing across the country. The Centre for Ageing Better calls for a national housing strategy that includes clear commitments and sustainable funding to support home adaptations. A crucial part of this strategy is the creation of Good Home Hubs, local one-stop shops that will advise residents on all aspects of repairs and home adaptations.
Moreover, grants for Disabled Facilities (DFGs) must be strengthened to ensure that more low-income individuals can benefit from this support. The dynamics of the silver economy requires everyone’s engagement also implies that new constructions adhere to strict accessibility standards, such as step-free access to entrance rooms and the installation of safety devices like grab bars or stairlifts.
This holistic approach, supported by adequate funding, is essential to reduce the number of falls in homes and ease the financial burden on the NHS. By improving the safety of housing, the government can not only protect the health of elderly individuals but also achieve substantial long-term savings.
What is the extent of the consequences of falls for seniors and the healthcare system?
Research shows that one in four ambulance calls for adults over 65 is related to a fall. Additionally, emergency hospital admissions for falls among individuals aged 65 and over have increased by more than 25% between 2010 and 2020. These data illustrate the considerable impact of falls not only on the health and well-being of seniors but also on the public healthcare system. By reducing fall risks through adequate home adaptations, it is possible to significantly decrease these alarming figures.
Optimistic prospects of the Indian economy may also provide opportunities for funding and innovation in the home adaptations sector, further strengthening prevention efforts around the world, including in England.
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