Stay in your own home with just a few changes
There are many ways your home can be adapted, so you can cope with challenges brought on by disability or older age. There is also help available to ensure that people can live well and safely in their own home.
You may be eligible for a grant to make the changes, for example to:
■ Widen doors and install some ramps
■ Improve access to rooms and facilities – stairlifts or a downstairs bathroom
■ Provide a heating system suitable to your needs
■ Adapt heating or lighting controls to make life easier.
How much you get will depend on your household income and any savings you have over £6,000.
To be eligible for a Disabled Facilities Grant, you, or someone living in the property, must be disabled. You, or the person you are applying for, must own the property, or be a tenant and intend to live in the property during the grant period (five years).
You can apply through your local council for a Disabled Facilities Grant (these grants are not available in Scotland).
The council may send an occupational therapist to your home to check your circumstances and to see what you need.
There may be other help you need – maybe with the housework or shopping. Getting just a little help can make all the difference at home.
The kinds of services you could get at home include:
■ Getting in and out of bed
■ Bathing and washing
■ Preparing meals
■ Cleaning
■ Going to a day centre Everyone is entitled to an assessment of their needs, regardless of income and savings. Most councils charge for the services they provide at home and charges vary across the country.
If you are assessed by your council as needing help, you may qualify for Direct Payments or a personal budget, which means you can use the money to pay for your own care. However, there are many rules and regulations regarding employing a private carer, so it’s worth checking that out.
If you just need help with gardening or housework, contact your local Age UK branch.
Getting help
■ If you need adaptations at home – such as a ramp or a stairlift – you should contact your local council so that you get an assessment
■ For help in the home, for example cleaning or gardening, ask your local social services department for an assessment.
■ For help and advice, call the national Age UK helpline on 0800 055 6112 or visit its website – www.ageuk.org.uk – or contact your local Age UK branch.
You can join too…
Carers in Touch and the Forget Me Not Group, for those who have lost a loved one, are free to join. Write to Rosie Sandall, Yours, Media House, Lynchwood, Peterborough, PE2 6EA. Email: rosemary. sandall@bauermedia.co.uk
■ Please include your full name and address (and email if you have one), a few personal details about your situation, family, interests and a contact telephone number and I will be in touch soon.