Control, Communication and the Emotional Construction of Home: The Role of Home Improvements in Supporting Ageing-in-Place

Abstract

Ageing populations are reshaping housing policy globally, with growing attention on supporting ‘ageing-in-place’. Alongside potential savings in health and care costs, there is a recognition that people want to live independently in their own home as they age. As health needs change, successful ageing-in-place often requires housing adaptations to ensure accessibility, comfort and functionality while supporting health and wellbeing. This is a particular challenge in England which has one of the oldest housing stocks in Europe. Drawing on a project evaluating home improvement services across England, this paper situates home adaptations within literature on ageing, home, and home-making. Empirically, we explore lived experiences of people receiving adaptations, examining how the process affects the long-term emotional project of building and maintaining a sense of home, which can itself be disrupted by age-related impairments. Poor communication and a lack of control add to emotional turmoil during periods of crisis, contributing to feelings of invasiveness, loss of autonomy and discomfort. Yet adaptations can also provide a buttress against home unmaking and even ‘re-make’ a sense of home. Our findings provide valuable new evidence for policymakers and service providers, alongside significant contributions to the literature around ‘home’ and ‘ageing-in-place’, with international relevance.