The UK government has announced a new independent commission to reform adult social care, led by Baroness Louise Casey. While this represents a significant step towards addressing the challenges in the sector, the commission's final recommendations won't be delivered until 2028, leaving a considerable gap in addressing immediate needs.
The Casey Commission aims to tackle both immediate issues and fundamental challenges in adult social care, working towards the government's vision of creating a 'national care service'. However, sector leaders, including the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS), have expressed concerns about the extended timeline, noting that many solutions are already known, and delays could impact people's health and wellbeing.
While policy changes may take years to implement, there are ways to make a difference today. Property investors partnering with care providers can play a crucial role in addressing one of the sector's most pressing challenges - providing quality housing for adults with disabilities and care needs. These partnerships can create immediate positive impacts by:
- Expanding the availability of supported living accommodation
- Improving the quality of existing care facilities
- Creating more personalised living spaces that promote independence
- Reducing pressure on traditional care homes and NHS services
The government has also announced an £86m increase to the disabled facilities grant for 2024-25, highlighting the growing need for adapted properties and accessible housing solutions.
As we await broader systemic changes, the partnership between property investors and care providers remains a vital pathway to delivering practical solutions for vulnerable adults who need appropriate housing and support today. These collaborations can help bridge the gap while the commission works towards its longer-term recommendations.
By working together, we can create positive change now, rather than waiting until 2028 for policy reforms to take effect. The need for quality supported living accommodation continues to grow, and property investors have a unique opportunity to make a real difference in people's lives while building sustainable, ethical investments.