Lighting the way to fewer falls

Improved lighting in the homes of older people improves independence and could reduce the cost of care, suggested a new paper published by sight loss charity Thomas Pocklington Trust.

Sarah Buchanan, research director of Thomas Pocklington Trust, said: 'Our research into lighting continues to show dramatic improvements for older people's independence and quality of life. But we believe the costs of care and support, particularly following falls, might also be cut if older people's lighting was improved. Our initial work shows that more research is needed to prove the wider value of better lighting.'

The charity's paper Improving Lighting, Improving Lives was released to coincide with Age UK's Falls Awareness Week, held from 17-21 June.