Scotland has an opportunity to “think and act big” by boosting the amount of accessible and supported homes on offer after covid-19, a new report from the country’s housing associations has said.

The report says that the pandemic has proven the value of stronger links between housing and health and social care to help keep more vulnerable people safe.

More than half of older and disabled Scots in housing associations have been self-isolating or shielding since before lockdown but have benefitted from having support on hand.

“I can’t see my family at the moment, because of the virus, so they worry less knowing I’ve that extra bit of security. It’s a great comfort,” one 80-year-old resident quoted in the report said.

The Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA), which produced the report, says investing in housing models that come with care and support help residents stay independent and healthy.

One study suggested that every pound spent on adapting housing saves the government three, because less ends up being spent on care homes and hospital admissions down the line.

But the SFHA warns housing support funding is “rapidly decreasing” and has identified a £7m funding gap for adaptations older or disabled people need in housing association homes alone.

The organisation says there are well over half a million frailer Scots who would be able to stay in their own homes if they were suitably adapted, while nearly 10,000 disabled people are on a waiting list for suitable accommodation.

SFHA is calling on the Scottish government to invest in accessible homes that would meet this need, urging ministers to commit to joint funding for models combining health and housing.

The report points to the example of Varis Court in Forres, which has 33 individual flats for older people.

The health service manages and funds some of the apartments that provide extra care to residents and can be used to reduce the length of hospital stay.

Sally Thomas, SFHA Chief Executive, said: “Housing support and care services are vital for ensuring the health, safety, wellbeing, quality of life and independence of thousands of social housing tenants across Scotland – and this has never been clearer than during the coronavirus crisis.

“However, as we look towards recovery from the pandemic and future housing needs, it is clear that we must do even more to keep vulnerable people safe, with improved connectivity, joined up commissioning, and the right preventative services in local communities.

“We are ready to work with our members, the Scottish government and partners in health and care in order to do this.”

Earlier this year healthandcare.scot reported how homes of the future could fix a ‘shameful’ gap in housing for disabled people.

Simon Fitzpatrick, development and commercial director at Blackwood Homes and Care, said: “The difference it makes can be something as straightforward as someone now being able to make their own cup of tea.

“The level of independence – and frankly dignity – that can bring someone is massive.”

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