Based on the linked source; automatically prepared and checked against the original report.
Survey findings
Habinteg found that 21% of UK adults aged 16 to 79 said they or a family member had experienced a delayed hospital return or a move into residential care because a home was inaccessible. The association estimates related NHS costs could exceed £3.9 billion for delayed discharges and £11 billion for four-week care placements.
Carers and adaptation concerns
The reported impact was higher among unpaid carers: 40% had experienced or witnessed such consequences, compared with 21% of all adults. Habinteg also found that 46% viewed cost as a leading adaptation concern, while 36% questioned whether their home could be adapted. Among renters, 38% identified landlord permission as a major concern.
Policy and future housing
Accessibility was a high or top priority for 25% when considering a next home, compared with 17% for their last move. Support for requiring all new homes to be accessible and adaptable stood at 52%, against 13% opposition. Habinteg chief executive Martin Warhurst said government should pursue a national policy, arguing accessible housing could reduce hardship and pressure on public services.
