Bath Out 2 Study: The Case for Timely Home Adaptations
by Louella Todd
As the Associate DFG Ambassador, I had the privilege of attending the House of Lords for the launch of the Bath Out 2 study findings. Hosted by Lord Best and presented by Phillip Whitehead in collaboration with the University of York and Foundations—the National Body for Home Improvement Agencies, the event highlighted compelling evidence on the critical role of home adaptations in supporting older adults to live independently.
Study Outcome
The Bath Out 2 study stands out for its rigorous methodology. As a randomised controlled trial (widely regarded as the gold standard in research), it compared two groups: one receiving expedited bathing adaptations and another placed on a standard waiting list. The findings reaffirm what professionals in health and social care have long advocated, that timely home adaptations are not just beneficial but essential.
Key outcomes from the study include:
- Improved Physical Wellbeing – Participants who received adaptations more quickly reported significantly better physical wellbeing scores, demonstrating measurable improvements in their daily lives.
- 70% Reduction in Falls – The expedited group experienced significantly fewer falls, reducing hospital admissions and the associated strain on healthcare services.
- Increased Independence – The ability to bathe independently improved dramatically, with the Barthel Index showing an 8.7 point improvement and bathing-specific independence rising nearly tenfold.
- Cost-Effective Solutions – Faster installations saved an average of £1,107 per person in health and social care costs, while also improving quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) by 5%.
Beyond the data, the study underscores the cascading benefits of early intervention. Addressing bathing difficulties promptly can prevent a downward spiral of dependency, fear of falling, and mental health decline. These issues often place greater strain on families, care providers, and councils.
A Crucial Discussion on Policy and Practice
The event fostered a robust discussion among researchers, council representatives, and industry professionals about translating research into practice. Among the key themes explored were:
- Reevaluating Eligibility Criteria – Many in the sector advocate for reducing eligibility barriers for older adults with a bathing need, ensuring that support reaches those who need it most.
- Shifting Housing Standards – With most UK homes not designed with accessibility in mind, there was consensus on the need for new-build social housing to prioritise low-threshold showers over traditional baths.
- Flexible Funding Approaches – The potential expansion of direct payments for non-complex adaptations could enable faster, more personalised solutions for individuals.
A Call to Action
For those of us working to support individuals in maintaining independence at home, the Bath Out 2 study is not just another research paper, it is a call to action. The findings provide the strongest evidence to date that delaying adaptations is not only inefficient but costly for both individuals and the wider system. As councils and health professionals navigate the challenges of an ageing population, this research reinforces the urgent need to prioritise proactive, preventative measures.
Our recent white paper, Ending OT Waiting Lists, provides a comprehensive examination of the challenges facing occupational therapy services and the need for systemic improvements to ensure timely support for those in need.
The OT Practice remains committed to working alongside policymakers, councils, and housing providers to ensure that more people benefit from timely adaptations. We look forward to seeing how these findings drive meaningful change in the sector.
It was a privilege to be part of the discussion. Thank you for the invitation; it was a great event! For those interested in exploring the full research when it is published, you can find details here: Bath Out 2 Study .
