The government has announced a sweeping package of reforms and investments to improve adult social care, aimed at enabling older and disabled individuals to live independently at home, reducing hospital pressures, and supporting the care workforce. The announcement includes immediate funding boosts, technological advancements, and a focus on long-term sector reform.
Expanded funding for Disabled Facilities Grant presents opportunities for bathroom manufacturers
Among the key initiatives is an £86m in-year boost to the Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG), doubling the allocation announced in the recent Budget. This brings the total DFG funding for the current financial year to £711m, enabling 7,800 more disabled and elderly people to adapt their homes to meet their needs. Home modifications such as accessible bathrooms, stairlifts, and widened doorways will help individuals maintain independence and reduce hospital admissions.
This increased funding presents a significant opportunity for bathroom manufacturers and suppliers specialising in accessible products. With greater demand for facilities like walk-in showers, height-adjustable sinks, and grab bars, manufacturers can play a vital role in enhancing the quality of life for disabled individuals while contributing to the success of this initiative.
Leveraging technology to improve care
In addition to funding, the government plans to harness cutting-edge technology to enhance adult social care. A shared digital platform will enable seamless data sharing between the NHS and care providers, ensuring timely and accurate care delivery. Features like real-time updates on medication schedules will improve health outcomes and streamline services.
Supporting the care workforce
The reforms also address the care workforce, with expanded career pathways and new national standards to professionalise the sector. Care workers will be trained to perform additional health interventions, such as blood pressure checks, reducing the need for routine hospital visits and boosting morale within the sector.
Long-term vision
Beyond immediate measures, the government is embarking on a transformative overhaul of adult social care, including plans for a National Care Service with consistent standards across the UK. Baroness Casey of Blackstock will chair an independent commission to guide this vision, providing a roadmap for sustainable and equitable care delivery.
The commission’s first phase, set to report in 2026, will focus on medium-term reforms, while a second phase in 2028 will propose long-term strategies to address the needs of an ageing population and establish a fair and affordable care system.
Opposition parties have been invited to take part in the commission, with the aim of building a cross-party and national consensus on the responsibilities the state and individuals have for social care, how to meet the rising demands caused by an ageing population, and how best to structure the National Care Service.
Baroness Louise Casey of Blackstock said:
“Millions of older people, disabled people, their families and carers rely upon an effective adult social care system to live their lives to the full, with independence and dignity.
“An independent commission is an opportunity to start a national conversation, find the solutions and build consensus on a long-term plan to fix the system. I am pleased the Prime Minister has asked me to lead this vital work.”
Integrated care for better outcomes
To complement these reforms, a new Better Care Fund policy framework for 2025/26 will allocate £9bn in NHS and local government funding to support integrated health and social care. This will prioritise shifting care from hospitals to community settings and focusing on prevention over treatment.