The Economics of Home Adaptations – Save Money and Maintain Independence

Why Falls in the Home Are Such a Serious Risk

Falls in the bathroom are a serious risk for many older adults, and the statistics are quite revealing. In the UK, about one in three people over 65 experience a fall each year. For those over 80, it’s more than half. These falls often lead to injuries, hospital admissions, and a sharp decline in independence – something I see all too often in my work supporting home adaptations and accessible bathroom installations.

Why Falls in the Home Become So Costly

What really struck me was hearing stories from people about the real costs involved. Hospital stays due to falls can last weeks or even months, leading to a decline in physical abilities, increased frailty, and a loss of confidence. Many of my clients tell me how these hospital stays have a massive impact on their mental health and overall well-being, making it harder to continue living independently. It highlights why fall prevention and safe bathroom design matter so much.

How Falls Affect Independence and Well-Being

The longer someone remains in hospital or recovers from injuries, the harder it becomes to regain strength, confidence, and mobility.

Real-Life Example: Comparing Care Home Fees to Home Adaptation Costs

Recently, a client in Norfolk, Mrs M, told me how she had been thinking about her options after a friend had had a fall in her bathroom and a month later ended up in a home. She definitely didn’t want the same to happen to her. After doing some calculations she realised that the weekly cost of a care home — ranging from £800 up to £1,410 for nursing care — adds up fast, over £70,000 annually in some cases. Then she looked at the cost of a bespoke wet room or other mobility-friendly home adaptations. Averaging around £13,000, that’s roughly the same as 10 weeks of nursing care.

Wet Room Costs vs Long-Term Care Costs

Her decision became clear when she saw how cost-effective a home adaptation can be compared to months or years in residential or nursing care.

That was her moment of clarity. She said, “That money could just as easily go into making my home safer, and I’d still have the independence, the health, and the happiness I want.” She decided to go ahead with the wet room installation, and today she’s happier, healthier, and more independent — free from the fear of falls or hospital stays.

Home Safety Upgrades Are One of the Smartest Investments You Can Make

From my experience, investing in a fully tailored wet room or home safety upgrade is one of the smartest things you can do. Not only does it significantly reduce the risk of falls, but it also helps people stay in their homes longer, avoiding the need for costly care services. And the best part? This kind of small investment can save thousands of pounds, giving people peace of mind and time to enjoy their lives. It’s a practical, cost-effective route to independent living.

That’s why we at EA Mobility are proud to support families with quality work, endorsed by Which? Trusted Trader, backed by over 20 years of experience and a lifetime installation guarantee. We work closely with clients to deliver fully personalised solutions – including full home adaptation services, bathroom conversions, and accessibility upgrades when needed. And, if you’re eligible, you will benefit from VAT exemptions. Our assessors will help you find out.

The Long-Term Benefits of Staying in Your Own Home

In the end, it’s about more than just saving money. Staying at home and maintaining independence greatly improves mental and physical well-being. Research shows that older adults who stay in their own homes tend to live longer and enjoy better health outcomes, especially when supported by ageing-in-place adaptations.

Why Ageing-in-Place Supports Longer, Healthier Living

A familiar environment, freedom of routine, and reduced stress all contribute to better overall health and quality of life.

So, if you’re thinking about ways to protect yourself or a loved one, I urge you to consider small home improvements. They truly offer big benefits – better safety, more independence, and cost savings that can last a lifetime.

Remember, sometimes small changes make the biggest difference.

Key Facts:

• Fall rate for adults aged 80+: 50% fall at least once annually.
• Hospital beds used for falls in over-65s: Over 4 million per year.
• Cost of a care home (residential): £800–£1,160 per week (~£41,600–£60,300 annually).
• Cost of nursing care: Around £1,410 per week (~£73,320 annually).
• Average cost of a wet room or home adaptation: Around £13,000.
• Savings potential: Avoiding 10 weeks in care homes saves between £8,000–£14,000.