“A society that does not care for its citizens is one that is failing at its most basic level.”
The need
Assisted Living Housing
Assisted Living facilities provide a safe and secure environment where vulnerable individuals can receive the care and support they need. The need for Assisted Living accommodation in the United Kingdom is increasing year on year, fuelled by a growing aging population as well as by the constant demand from people of all ages who require assistance with daily living.
According to a report by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the number of people aged 65 and over in the UK is expected to reach 15.2 million by 2026, an increase of 19% from 2021. This increase in the elderly population is likely to result in a greater demand for Assisted Living facilities, as many of these individuals will require assistance with daily living.
A report by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), projects the number of people aged 85 and above to increase by 70% over the next 25 years. By 2046, this will mean approximately 3.5 million people over 85 in the UK, compared to just over 2 million in 2021. This will place a significant strain on our healthcare and social care systems, heightening the need for Assisted Living facilities.
A marked decline in family support also contributes to the increasing demand for Assisted Living accommodation. With more people choosing to live alone, having smaller families, or living distanced from close family, along with today's propensity for capable adults to be in full-time employment, there is a decrease in the availability of family members to provide care for individuals with disabilities or for elderly relatives.
The UK government recognises the need for increased support for individuals who require assistance with daily living activities and is committed to improving the quality and availability of Assisted Living facilities. Several initiatives have been introduced aimed at improving quality of life for these individuals. These include the provision of funding for the construction of new Assisted Living facilities as well as help in regulating the quality of care provided by existing facilities.
The History of Assisted Living
The Beginning
The concept of Assisted Living in the UK has a relatively short history, but has gained ground in popularity rapidly in recent years.
The first UK Assisted Living facilities were established in the 1990s and offered a combination of housing, support, and care services to older people and those with disabilities.
These facilities were designed to provide a more independent and fulfilling lifestyle for residents, while also ensuring that they received the necessary support and care to meet their individual needs.
The Growth of the Sector
Over the last thirty years, the Assisted Living sector has expanded rapidly, with many different types of facilities now available, including extra care housing, residential care homes, and nursing homes.
The introduction of the Care Act 2014 helped to regulate the sector and ensure that high standards of care are maintained in all facilities.
A Key Element of Modern Day Social Care
Today, Assisted Living is an important part of the UK’s care provision, increasingly seen as a viable alternative to traditional care homes.
With our growing aging population and an increasing demand for care services, Assisted Living is set to continue playing a key role in the UK’s care provision far into the future.
The Recent Landscape
In 2020, a report by the National Care Forum estimated that there were over 500,000 people living in Assisted Living facilities in the UK.
Study by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) found that 90% of Assisted Living facilities in the UK were rated as either “good” or “outstanding” in terms of the quality of care they provided.
A report by the Alzheimer’s Society estimated that around 800,000 people in the UK are living with dementia, and around two-thirds of these individuals receive care in a care home or Assisted Living facility.
The cost of Assisted Living in the UK varies depending on the type of facility and the level of care required, but a survey by Prestige Nursing + Care found that the average weekly cost of Assisted Living was around £800 per week in 2020.
A report by the Department of Health and Social Care found that the number of people receiving publicly-funded care in the UK has increased in recent years, with the cost of care reaching over £15 billion in 2019/20.
According to the Office for National Statistics, the proportion of the UK population aged 65 and over is projected to increase from 17% in 2019 to 22% in 2041, which may result in an increased demand for Assisted Living and other care services.
A survey by the Elderly Accommodation Counsel found that the average age of people moving into Assisted Living facilities in the UK is 83.
Report by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation found that over 60% of people living in Assisted Living facilities in the UK receive some form of financial support to pay for their care, such as through the means-tested Care Home Funding system.
According to the Care Quality Commission (CQC), there has been an increase in the number of Assisted Living facilities offering specialist care for people with dementia and other cognitive impairments, with over 50% of facilities offering this type of care.
A report by the Alzheimer’s Society found that people with dementia who receive care in an Assisted Living facility are less likely to experience depression and anxiety, and are more likely to have a better quality of life, compared to those who receive care in a care home.
Survey by the National Care Forum found that over 60% of Assisted Living facilities in the UK offer activities and social events for residents, such as trips, concerts, and games.
5.6 million people (12%) report that high housing costs have affected their ability to move for work.
A study by the Elderly Accommodation Counsel found that the average length of stay in an Assisted Living facility in the UK is around two and a half years.
According to the Office for National Statistics, the number of people aged 65 and over in the UK who require help with daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, and eating, is projected to increase from 3.5 million in 2019 to 5.5 million in 2041.