Making Your Home Accessible: Fund A Disability-Friendly Home

If you live with a disability, finding accessible places can be tricky.

The one place that should remain accessible is the home. Your home is your safe haven and you should be safe and comfortable within! However, some people have to move home to ensure it is disability-friendly.

Finding a home that is suitable can be challenging, especially if you are waiting on a local authority. Councils and housing associations tend to have waiting lists for homes like these.

Hence, it may be more beneficial for you to stay and make your own home more disability-friendly instead. These adaptations can be costly.

What Are The Costs Involved?

The cost of adaptations will differ depending on where you live and the type of work required. Purchasing a stairlift can cost up to £5000. An accessible shower can cost up to £2000. An outdoor ramp can cost up to £400 – and you may need two of these if you have front and back entrances. These prices do not include installation either!

If you require work in the kitchen, like lower countertops or open spaces, this can add up to thousands of pounds.

Modular home extensions are beneficial for profound disabilities. These usually consist of ground-floor bedrooms and bathrooms, including electric hoists. Extensions such as these cost over £40,000.

Finding the funds for these adaptations can be extremely difficult for families.

Is Accessible Funding Available?

In the UK, grants are available to help you cover the costs. There are charitable organisations that may also be able to help. However, you may need to pass an eligibility test in regard to your household income, savings and needs.

Small adaptations such as ramps and rails or outdoor lighting can sometimes be provided by the council for free. Get in touch with your local authority to see if this is a service they offer.