Steven Docker Associates

15/06/2026

The latest report from the Royal College of Occupational Therapists highlights the important relationship between housing, health and care, and the impact that unsuitable housing can have on people's health, wellbeing and independence.

Accessible and adaptable housing can play a vital role in supporting recovery following serious injury and illness. For many people living with spinal cord injuries, acquired brain injuries, neurological conditions and other complex disabilities, the ability to return to a home that is safe, accessible and designed around their needs is fundamental to achieving the best possible outcomes.

Whether this involves adapting an existing property or identifying a temporary accessible home to support a safe hospital discharge, the home environment can have a significant influence on rehabilitation, independence and quality of life. Considerations such as accessibility, adaptability and future-proofing are not simply design features; they are essential to enabling people to live safely and with dignity.

As this report highlights, housing should not be treated as an afterthought within health and care systems. Accessible and adaptable homes are an important part of supporting people to recover, live independently and participate fully in everyday life.



https://www.rcot.co.uk/latest-news/poor-housing-damaging-health-driving-pressure-health-services

01/06/2026

We see first-hand how climate resilience is becoming an increasingly important part of designing homes for people living with complex disabilities.

Much of the current debate focuses on air conditioning as a response to rising temperatures, but the longer-term challenge is ensuring homes are designed to remain safe, comfortable and functional during periods of extreme heat. For many people living with spinal cord injuries, acquired brain injuries, neurological conditions and other complex disabilities, overheating can have significant health implications and may affect their ability to live independently.

When designing and adapting homes following catastrophic injury, considerations such as solar gain, shading, insulation, ventilation, environmental controls and overall thermal comfort are becoming just as important as traditional accessibility features. As the UK experiences more frequent and intense heatwaves, climate resilience can no longer be viewed as an optional extra, it should be considered a fundamental part of creating homes that support health, wellbeing and independence.



https://stevendocker.co.uk/

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/may/29/people-disabilities-heatwaves-uncomfortable-safe-climate-crisis?CMP=share_btn_url

It is a short-term fix, but AC is an essential tool for many for whom the heat can be harmful, and even life-threatening, says Guardian columnist Frances Ryan

27/05/2026

Accessible rental homes are failing to keep pace with growing demand, particularly in major cities such as Sheffield, Nottingham and Manchester, according to recent research from Propertymark.

We regularly support clients following catastrophic injury by providing specialist Property Finding services to secure suitable interim accommodation while they await adaptations to their existing home or the completion of a newly adapted property.

This often involves complex negotiations with landlords to enable necessary adaptations and ensure a property is suitable for someone living with a disability.

Our expertise goes beyond finding a property. We also advise on the feasibility, practicality and likely cost of adaptations, helping to reduce stress and uncertainty for clients and their legal teams during an already challenging time.

https://stevendocker.co.uk/property-finding/

Accessible rental homes failing to keep up with demand from older and disabled tenants - Propertymark

Data showed that households headed by someone aged 65 or over are projected to increase by 22.1% by 2032.

https://theintermediary.co.uk/2026/05/accessible-rental-homes-failing-to-keep-up-with-demand-from-older-and-disabled-tenants-propertymark/

14/05/2026

The shortage of accessible housing continues to be a major challenge for individuals recovering from catastrophic injury.

To address this, Habinteg Housing Association has committed to delivering 170 new accessible homes over the next four years, alongside further investment in inclusive housing and tenant support.

We regularly support clients in finding suitable rental and long-term accommodation following serious injury. Interim rental properties can play a vital role during rehabilitation, often requiring close collaboration with landlords to agree essential adaptations.

Greater availability of accessible homes, whether rented or owned gives people more choice, independence and the opportunity to live comfortably in homes that support their needs.

https://stevendocker.co.uk/property-finding/

https://thiis.co.uk/habinteg-reveals-corporate-strategy-and-plans-to-build-170-accessible-homes-over-four-years/

Habinteg Housing Association has launched its new, four-year Corporate Strategy 2026-2030, following significant input from tenants.

13/05/2026

Accessible housing is essential for an ageing population and millions of people living with disabilities across the UK.

This article in Housing Digital highlights growing calls for the government to raise minimum accessibility targets for new homes, with some councils already proving that 80–95% accessible housing is achievable.
A really important discussion on housing policy, inclusion, independence, and future-proofing the homes we build.

Millie Brown, CAB’s head of homes: “Everyone deserves a good quality home that keeps them safe, healthy, and secure. Accessible homes enable people with mobility issues or disabilities to live independently and safely, helping avoid injuries and falls. Everyone can benefit from accessible homes, including families using prams and anyone who has older people or friends with mobility issues visiting them. The government should be aiming to make this a reality for more people, more quickly.”

https://housingdigital.co.uk/govt-urged-to-raise-targets-for-accessible-homes/

www.stevendocker.co.uk

How we help Expert Witness We are highly sought-after Expert Witnesses for accommodation reports, thanks to our significant experience & reputation, our unrivalled insight, professionalism & independent analysis. Property Finding Our Property Finding team help make the search for a new or temporary....

29/04/2026

Community Housing Cymru (CHC)'s research highlights how delays in accessing suitable housing are keeping people in hospital far longer than necessary, because there is nowhere appropriate for them to go.

“Russell’s story is a stark reminder that home is the foundation of our health.”

For individuals recovering from life-changing injuries or conditions, the right home environment is essential. Accessible, well-designed spaces enable safer, faster discharges and support rehabilitation.

When a person’s existing home cannot meet their needs, and adaptations or a new property will take time, securing suitable, accessible accommodation quickly is vital. Without this, people remain in hospital unnecessarily, delaying recovery and independence.

Finding the right place, designing it to meet individual needs, and delivering homes that truly support recovery are all part of the solution.

https://stevendocker.co.uk/

https://businessnewswales.com/welsh-housing-crisis-is-keeping-people-in-hospital-when-they-should-be-at-home/

Patients in Wales are being left in hospital beds for weeks longer than necessary due to a lack of suitable housing and support, with delays costing the

27/04/2026

In our latest spotlight Q&A, Alex discusses what it means to design homes that truly change lives. From navigating complex adaptations to delivering bespoke new builds for clients living with life-changing injuries, Alex's work is driven by one simple goal: restoring independence, dignity, and comfort.

Read the full Q&A on our website 👇
🔗 https://stevendocker.co.uk/a-qa-with-alex-jones/

26/03/2026

Designing a home for someone living with complex clinical needs goes beyond simple adaptations, it's about creating a space that feels safe, comfortable and supportive of daily life.

In this case study, we explored how thoughtful planning, clear circulation routes and carefully designed bathroom access transformed a historical property into a home that works for the client.

Our team worked closely with the client and their support network to make sure every detail had purpose, from the way rooms connected to the choice of lighting, materials and storage solutions.

🔗 https://stevendocker.co.uk/how-adaptive-design-helped-one-family-create-a-truly-accessible-forever-home/?utm_source=linkedin&utm_medium=social+media&utm_campaign=historic_property_case_study&utm_id=SDA-HPCS

23/03/2026

Finding a suitable property post-catastrophic injury is rarely straightforward.

Our specialist Property Finding service assesses technical feasibility, accessibility, EPC ratings and long-term adaptability, ensuring solicitors and deputies receive options that genuinely meet their client's needs.

🔗 https://stevendocker.co.uk/property-finding/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social+media&utm_campaign=property_finding_service&utm_id=SDA-PF

11/03/2026

For people living with disabilities, the design of a home can make a huge difference to independence, wellbeing and day-to-day life.

In many cases, it is relatively small design decisions, level access, wider doorways, adaptable bathrooms and better circulation space that can have the greatest impact.

If more of these accessible features were incorporated as standard in new homes, it could make a meaningful difference for thousands of people, both now and in the future.

https://thiis.co.uk/habinteg-campaign-group-launches-new-push-for-accessible-housing-awareness/

Lord Best OBE will chair a live panel discussion at Parliament launching a new campaign by Habinteg Housing Association’s Insight Group.