A disability housing expert is urging families of autistic and learning-disabled people to make the most of UK Government grants for home adaptations.
Jayne Knight is a specialist housing adviser for people with disabilities and autism. She believes the fund could make a massive difference in enabling people to be happy and safe in their homes.
Specialist housing adviser Jayne Knight is urging families to apply for the disabled facilities grant
Additional £50m
The Government has announced it is giving an additional £50m to councils. The money is to help disabled and older people live “safely and independently in their own homes”.
Disabled people of all ages can apply for a council grant to adapt their home.
The cash is for homeowners, private renters and those in social housing and delivered through the disabled facilities grant.
Knight said the fund could be used for everything from video doorbells to sensory rooms.
Home improvement ideas
In a message, Knight said video doorbells can “help people feel secure and prepare themselves for callers”. They could also provide a “record of callers”.
Her other ideas include soundproofing, lighting dimmers, privacy film for windows, radiator thermostats, lighting switch covers to stop obsessive behaviours or smart technology for lights and alarms to summon help.
Knight also recommends padding to prevent self-harm, remote-controlled window locks, water sensors for flooding, robust furniture, toughened glass and therapeutic wetrooms.
Funding ‘will help thousands’
Helen Whately is the minister for adult social care.
She said the new funding “will help thousands more people have homes fit for their needs – and faster”.
The Government says the £50 million is additional to £573 million it has already given to councils for home improvement services.
Foundations is the national body set up by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities to manage the disabled facilities grant.
The organisation has described providing a grant for the family of Christopher, a 19-year-old autistic man, to build a second bathroom.
Christopher would spend up to three hours in the family’s only bathroom and could become aggressive when others used it.
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- We can help your family raise funds for specialist treatment and equipment
Published: 5 October 2023
