3 Mar 2020 | Posted by Damian Suma

The new company aiming to help Lincolnshire’s ageing population remain independent in their own homes is backing a government mission for people to lead a healthier life.

Acis HomePlus, which became a nationally-recognised Home Improvement Agency in February, launched in late 2019.

The Gainsborough-based company is backing the government’s Ageing Society Grand Challenge, which aims to help people enjoy at least five extra healthy, independent years of life by 2035.

Acis HomePlus will be raising awareness of the challenge by highlighting the importance of prevention.

In the UK, 60% of public healthcare funding is spent on cure and rehabilitation, with just 5% on prevention.

Around a third of people aged 65 and older, and around half of people aged 80 and over, fall at least once a year. This causes distress, pain, injury, a loss of confidence, a loss of independence and even death.

For health services, these falls come at a high cost. Falls are estimated to cost the NHS more than £2.3 billion each year, with unaddressed home hazards costing around £435 million each year.

The average hospital stay costs £400 a day, while ambulance call outs cost up to £233 each. And latest research shows that care home costs range from £27,000 to £39,000 per year for a residential care home. This increases to £35,000 to £55,000 per year if nursing care is required.

Claire Woodward, Head of Business Development at Acis HomePlus, said: “Prevention is not only better, it’s cheaper. Changes to our homes can help us to continue to live independently and well.

“We know that prevention works. A review of international studies suggests that past investments in prevention have had a significant long-term social return on investment.

“Home adaptations like grab rails, accessible kitchens, wetrooms, stair lifts and ramps can improve some people’s lives immeasurably and help them to stay independent for much longer.”

For more information, visit www.acishomeplus.co.uk

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