Landlord to adapt homes for tenants’ special needs

THOUSANDS OF pounds are to be spent adapting homes across Perth and Kinross to transform the lives of people with special needs.

The Scottish Government has awarded more than £400,000 to housing and care specialist Blackwood to target properties across the country — and that will see £22,000 invested in Perth and Kinross to upgrade 27 homes whose occupants have asked for help.

They include older people and those with physical or learning disabilities, mental health issues or sensory impairment, for whom small adaptations can deliver signif icant improvements to their quality of life.

The adaptations can be extensive, such as the building of an extension with a pur pose- built bathroom and specialist track and hoist gear to allow a severely disabled West Lothian man to be lifted easily and moved from room to room.

Property investment manager Simon Fitzpatrick said: “That wasn’t just transformational for the man, but for his entire family.

“However, not all adaptations are that extensive and even small changes can be lifechanging for those involved.

“Simple changes to a bathroom can allow someone the dignity of being able to shower unassisted.

“Making a kitchen more accessible can allow someone to make themselves a cup of tea for the first time.

“We’ve had people delighted because our changes allow them to open a window without help.”

Ty p i c a l projects this year will include creating wet rooms, installing level access showers, fitting toilets with washing and drying facilities, installing push-pad door opening systems and fitting “rise and fall” kitchens, where worktops will lower at the touch of a button.

As well as Governmentfunded major projects, Blackwood also pays for more than 300 minor adaptations every year, including l owe r i n g thresholds for easier wheelchair access, fitting grab rails and installing easy-touse lever taps.