Average Home Adaptation Completion Times ‘Climb 18%’
Ageing in place is something that the majority of people want to be able to do, living independently for as long as possible over the years. To this end, it may be necessary to carry out home adaptations in order to ensure that the property is accessible, enabling you to continue living there even as your physical needs evolve and change with time.
However, although the government states that 95 per cent of routine adaptations should take six months or less to complete, with all but the most complicated of jobs finished within nine months, figures obtained by the BBC show that average completion times have climbed 18 per cent in the last five years.
It now takes on average 357 days in some parts of England, Wales and Northern Ireland for these works to be carried out where they’re overseen by a single council, or by the Housing Executive for people in Northern Ireland.
The concern is that the UK’s ageing population will only exacerbate the situation, coupled with an apparent increase in more complex cases that involve children with special needs. In at least 21 local council areas across England and Wales, there are still cases in progress after five years or more.
Funding for disabled and elderly residents is available for various changes to their homes, including accessible bathrooms, stairlifts and structural extensions. Under the Disabled Facilities Grant, the maximum amount that councils can provide in England is £30,000, which is means-tested for adults, but not for children.
Expansion of England’s adaptation system is underway, increasing to £711 million (a rise of £86 million), which should see 7,800 more people able to access necessary support.
One of the most important areas of the home to consider adapting is the bathroom, as a particularly hazardous room where you’re more likely to suffer slips, trips and falls.
Investing in walk in baths, shower seating, grab rails and other such features can make a significant difference to your quality of life. If you’d like to find out more, get in touch with the Practical Bathing team today.
