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Stiltz Trio+ homelift

New research, commissioned by homelift specialist Stiltz, has revealed that while the majority of older adults in the UK want to stay in their homes as they age, many feel that the support they need to do so is lacking.

In December 2024, Stiltz commissioned a poll of 1,000 participants from the UK aged 60-99, both male and female, on the survey platform Pollfish.

The survey revealed that an overwhelming 92.4 percent believe maintaining independence in their home is very important, with nearly 80 percent expressing a preference to stay in their current homes as they age.

Despite this, one in six said they have to avoid certain parts of their home due to mobility issues, and an alarming 64.4 percent admitted that their mental health is directly impacted by their ability to live self-sufficiently.

Campaigners and experts are urging more to be done to address these barriers.

Stiltz Brand Supervisor, Jayne Armstrong, explained: “These figures show the importance of helping older adults feel secure and capable in their own homes. Without greater efforts to address these challenges, we risk a crisis of isolation and declining mental health among the elderly, preventing them from fully enjoying their later years.”

The survey also revealed that over half of respondents rarely think about ways to improve accessibility in their homes until it becomes an issue. According to Jayne, this reactive approach shows the need for better education and measures to support the ageing population.

“We need to encourage conversations about home accessibility before it becomes an urgent need,” Jayne continued. “Simple changes, like installing mobility aids or adjusting home layouts, can make a big difference. Yet too often, these decisions are delayed until it’s too late and challenges come about.”

When asked about the role of these adjustments, such as homelifts, in improving daily life, over two-thirds of respondents agreed they help, while almost 70 percent said they make them feel safer in their homes.

Stiltz underlines that addressing these issues is not only vital for individual wellbeing but also for easing the pressure on the NHS and social care services, with falls and mobility-related injuries among the leading causes of hospital admissions for older adults. The survey found that 44.7 percent of respondents struggle with tasks like climbing stairs, highlighting the risks posed by inadequate home accessibility.

“Supporting older people to age in place isn’t just about meeting individual needs, it’s also about reducing strain on the NHS and social care services,” Jayne added. “By helping people live safely in their homes, we can prevent falls, injuries and hospital admissions, ultimately benefiting both individuals and the wider healthcare system.”

Stiltz has previously shared advice about how investing in a homelift can save money, which can serve as a helpful cost-benefit analysis for healthcare professionals and carers who are looking to share some of the benefits of a homelift with clients considering a home adaptation.

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