This article will cover practical tips, financial assessment, expert advice and everything else you need to know about Home Care Adaptations.
At ilarna, our priority is ensuring you or your loved one can stay comfortably at home for as long as possible. Sometimes, small changes can make a big difference! Home adaptations are designed to simplify daily tasks such as cooking, bathing and moving around your home.
Minor home care adaptations to consider
Simple adjustments can enhance your safety and independence. Some options include:
- Raised toilet seats for easier access
- Sturdy handrails along staircases
- Ramps to replace steps
- Additional lighting for better visibility
- Shower seats for safer bathing
- Non-slip tape on stairs and non-slip mats in bathrooms
- Bed rails for extra support getting in and out of bed
These simple home care adaptations are designed to remove challenges in areas like meal preparation, personal care, mobility within your home and make your daily routine much easier.
Major home improvements to consider
If your care requirements need larger changes, these adaptations may be better suited:
- Widened doorways to accommodate wheelchairs and walking apparatus
- Installing a stair lift for multi-level homes
- Creating a wet room for safer, accessible showers
- Adding a downstairs bathroom for easier access
- Lowering kitchen counters for easy access
These projects are more work and require more attention to implement but can have a significant improvement on accessibility. There are many different funding options to support these adaptations.
Financial Aid for Home Adaptations
You may be eligible for financial support to cover the cost of the minor and major home adaptations.
Local authority support:
Following from a care needs assessment, if your adaptations cost under £1,000, your local authority may fully fund the implementation.
Top tip: Start the process by applying for a care needs assessment here: https://www.gov.uk/apply-needs-assessment-social-services
Disabled Facilities Grant:
For larger more major home adaptations which cost more than £1,000, you can apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant. Different areas of the United Kingdom have different threshold limits.
England – Covers for changes up to £30,000
Wales – Covers for changes up to £36,000
Northern Ireland – Covers for changes up to £25,000
Unfortunately, The disabled facilities grant is not currently available in Scotland, but local councils may offer alternative support.
Top tip: Start the application for the Disabled Facilities Grant here: https://www.gov.uk/apply-disabled-facilities-grant
How to get a home assessment:
To determine which adaptations are better suited for you and your care requirements, you’ll need a home assessment.
An occupational therapist will visit your home to conduct the assessment, which can last for an hour or slightly longer. They’ll ask questions about your daily routine, challenges and observe you interacting in your environment. The occupational therapist will then recommend specific changes they think will be the best adaptations to improve your quality of life.
Top tip: Share every detail of your challenges, even if they seem small! This ensures the most accurate and helpful recommendations. Start the process here: https://www.gov.uk/apply-home-equipment-for-disabled
Adapting your home can be a game-changer in keeping you or your loved one safe, comfortable and independent for as long as possible.