£50 Million Boost For The Disabled Facilities Grant
The government has announced that the disabled facilities grant will receive a funding boost of £50 million to support some 5,000 more people and help them install necessary home adaptations, including accessible bathrooms, assistive technology, ramps and stairlifts.
What is the disabled facilities grant?
This particular government grant is available from local councils for people with physical or learning disabilities, who are autistic, who have age-related needs or a terminal illness, who have mental health conditions or progressive conditions like motor neurone disease, or who have cognitive impairments such as dementia.
Successful grant applications will not affect any benefits you receive.
What can the disabled facilities grant be used for?
The amount of support you receive will depend on your household income and any savings you have over £6,000. You can apply for up to £30,000 if you live in England or up to £36,000 if you live in Wales.
The money can be used for:
- Walk-in shower installations
- Improving access to rooms and other facilities around the house
- Widening doorways
- Installing ramps and grab rails
- Improving access to the garden
- Building an extension (to house a downstairs bedroom, for example)
- Upgrading the heating system
- Adapting lighting and heating systems for ease of use
How can making home adaptations benefit people?
The majority of people want to age in place and continue living independently at home for as long as possible and this can be facilitated through the appropriate home adaptations, making living spaces more accessible as time goes on.
Such changes can help you move around your home more freely, while staying in a familiar environment within your local community and remaining close to friends and family.
If you’d like to find out more, get in touch with the Practical Bathing team today.