The Government has confirmed that an additional £42 million of funding will be provided for elderly and disabled residents to make adaptations to their homes.
Announced today (24/1/18) by Heather Wheeler, the extra funds have been made available to improve the living circumstances for disabled or elderly individuals, helping them to live independently and safely. The Housing and Homelessness Minister stated that whilst some of these changes can be made at a relatively low cost, the positive impact they can have on someone’s life can be significant.
The Government set out a number of examples of these adaptations including:
- Ramps and stair lifts to ensure that the resident can access all parts of their home safely
- Widening doors to help residents who are wheelchair bound to move more freely around their home
- Accessible showers and raised toilets so residents can continue to live independently and with their dignity in their own home
Commenting on the funding, Heather Wheeler stated: “The government is committed to helping older and disabled people live independently and safely and this extra funding will ensure more people are getting the help they need.
“Even a small adaptation to a home can make a big difference and help ensure people can stay in their home and do not have to struggle with the stairs or in simply taking a bath or shower.”
Originally announced as part of the Autumn Budget, the £42 million boost will be additional funding for the Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG). This will be in addition to the £435 million the government has already pledged to the DFG.
