Welcoming the Welsh Government’s launch of a national conversation on what can be done to tackle inequalities and poverty experienced by disabled people

Welcoming the Welsh Government's launch of a national conversation on what can be done to tackle inequalities and poverty experienced by disabled people, Age Cymru's Policy and Campaigns Manager, Valerie Billingham said: "We very much welcome the Welsh Government's focus on the social model of disability, and the emphasis on improving the environment within which people live their daily lives.

"We particularly welcome the recognition of the need to improve housing for older and younger disabled people in Wales as the design, location, and condition of a home can have a significant impact on the ability of older people to live healthy and independent lives.

"As people grow older, many would like to move into a new home that accommodates their changing needs with, for example, all the rooms on one level, strategically placed adaptations such as handrails and ramps, and of course cost effective heating systems. They also want proximity to community facilities such as shops, post offices, meeting places and transport routes as well as health and social services.

"However, many new developments fail to meet these requirements based on the outskirts of towns and cities far from transport links and community services which can lead to social isolation and even depression. For many older people home is just as much about their community as it is about bricks and mortar.

"Without suitable alternative housing, many older people remain trapped in homes that no longer meet their needs and which they can no longer afford to heat or maintain properly."

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