Integrating housing with health and social care can improve the lives of vulnerable and older people and save thousands of pounds in health and care costs, a new report says.

Providing an Alternative Pathway, released by the National Housing Federation, takes an in-depth look at how people's lives have changed when housing associations and their support workers are involved in aftercare decisions with councils and local hospitals.

It found that that people in specially adapted homes avoided stays in expensive residential care homes, and that regular visits from support workers slowed the deterioration of a person’s health and reduced the need for costly medical intervention

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National Housing Federation Head of Communities Kevin Williamson said: "Integrating good and adapted housing with health services can dramatically improve the health and wellbeing of older and vulnerable people and prevent them from needing more care. It can bring independence to those with physical disabilities, dignity to older people and provide a safe and secure environment for people with mental health illnesses.

"We want the Government to set out clear proposals on the funding of social care reform, and to include explicit guidance on integrating housing and healthcare in the draft Care and Support Bill.

"But for housing associations to develop the right type of homes for older and vulnerable people, they also need places where they can build. The Department of Health can help by encouraging the NHS to consider specialised housing when distributing their surplus land."

(CD/GK)