By Peter Merity
As someone who has spent years working in housing care and support, I’ve seen first-hand how the right design choices can transform lives. At Alpha Living, we are dedicated to creating homes that not only meet people’s needs today but continue to support them as they age. That’s why working with PROCare, Invisible Creations, and the Fit For Our Future campaign has been such an incredible experience, because it aligns perfectly with our vision of future-proofing homes to ensure they are accessible for all.
Creating Spaces That Support Independence
Poppyfields, our extra care scheme in Upton on the Wirral, is a shining example of what’s possible when we take a proactive approach to accessibility. With 78 bedrooms designed for people aged 55 and over, we knew from the outset that we had to think long-term. Most residents moving into extra care will, at some point, require an occupational therapy (OT) assessment. Instead of retrofitting homes later with ad-hoc, clinical-looking adaptations, we made the decision to integrate Invisible Creations products from the very beginning.
Yes, it was an upfront investment, but one that has more than paid off. Not only has it allowed our residents to age in place with dignity, but it has also reduced the need for repeated OT visits and unsightly adaptations further down the line. By designing with accessibility in mind from day one, we are enhancing both the quality of life for our residents and the long-term value of our properties.
The Financial and Well-being Benefits of Smart Design
One of the biggest misconceptions about accessibility is that it’s an added cost rather than an investment. However, our experience at Alpha Living has proven otherwise. By incorporating well-thought-out, aesthetically pleasing adaptations from the start, we’ve seen:
A significant reduction in the number of falls - both in individual homes and in communal spaces.
A decrease in emergency call-outs and ambulance visits.
A more streamlined process for our residents, reducing the need for additional OT assessments and interventions.
Positive recognition from local authorities, who are increasingly open to funding these kinds of forward-thinking projects through the Better Care Fund.
Why Fit For Our Future Matters
At Alpha Living, we strongly believe that accessible housing shouldn’t be an afterthought. The reality is that our population is ageing. By 2030, it’s predicted that 22% of people in the UK will be over the age of 65. So why aren’t we acting now? Why are we waiting for a crisis when we have the means, the products, and the funding to address it today?
That’s why the Fit For Our Future campaign is so vital. It’s about recognising our responsibility to build homes that don’t just meet immediate needs but continue to provide security, dignity, and independence for decades to come. Through partnerships with organisations like PROCare and Invisible Creations, we are proving that accessible housing is achievable, cost-effective, and, most importantly, life-changing for the people who live in it.
A Call to Action
We have an opportunity to make real, lasting change in the way we design and adapt our homes. Whether you’re in housing, healthcare, construction, or policy-making, the question is: are we doing enough to prepare for the future? Or are we waiting for a crisis before we act?
At Alpha Living, we’re proud to be leading the way, and we invite others to join us in making accessibility a fundamental part of housing design - because everyone deserves a home that truly works for them, now and in the future.
To find out more about accessible and inclusive design – visit - Home | Fit For Our Future
Comments