Dr Mark Hammond, Senior Lecturer at Manchester School of Architecture, has recently received a research grant from The Thalidomide Trust to study the future housing needs of older Thalidomide survivors as they age, a group whose housing experiences and unmet needs remain poorly understood.
Thalidomide is a drug that was marketed as a sedative and treatment for morning sickness in pregnant women in the late 50s and early 60s. This drug subsequently caused babies to be born with a range of disabilities, including the shortening and absence of limbs, malformation of hands and digits, and sensory impairment.
The Thalidomide Trust was established in 1973 to provide support and assistance to Thalidomide survivors, including annual grants, yet those affected still experience significant unmet health needs, which are becoming more acute as they grow older.
The study seeks to generate a deeper understanding of the factors influencing Thalidomide survivors’ housing choices, to support people to make proactive choices about their home environment as they grow older.
Deborah Jack Chief Executive of the Thalidomide Trust said:
“Now our beneficiaries are all in their sixties, their needs are increasing and around two-thirds have recognised that their current home is unlikely to meet their long-term housing needs. This research will enable us to provide them with the right support to enable them to create a safe and comfortable ‘forever home’ that supports their independence and promotes physical and mental wellbeing. We are really looking forward to working with MSA on the next stages of this very important research.”
Dr Mark Hammond, who is leading the study, is a member of the DoWell Research Group at Manchester Metropolitan University, which promotes creative and collaborative approaches to health, wellbeing and social change. For more details on this project or DoWell, please contact M.Hammond@mmu.ac.uk.