Abstract:

Australia's ageing population present s a number of challenges for provision of appropriate and affordable,1OUsing and care, as the need for some form of care and assistance increases, particularly for those aged 85 years and over. The majority of older people want to age in place and most do not want to relocate. Insufficient quantities of housing designed to support ageing in place has necessitated the development of housing models targeted specifically towards older people and their particular housing and care requirements. This paper discusses ongoing research investigating how home modifications might concurrently improve existing housing accessibility, substitute for actual care needs and stem pressure on supply of new liveable or universal housing stock and residential care. Following a literature review, case based analyses are presented to demonstrate key variables affecting home modifications and care costs. The review findings indicate that home modifications support ageing in place, reduce home hazards and supplement care services thus reducing care needs. Initial values derived from the case studies suggest the potential for home modifications to be cost effective within a community care approach and in the context of limited housing alternatives. In conclusion, the research suggests that home modifications are an underexplored means of minimising the need for waged community care and offsetting the need for housing alternatives such as residential care. This initial research was limited by lack of comparable data sets therefore more longitudinal data -collection between age/impairment profiles, care costs and home modification is required for further study and is scheduled to begin February 2012.