Making homes more accessible

Published: 3 October 2019

Householders who are not able to use their home safely and freely may be eligible to a Disabled Facilities Grant.

For those who have health or disability issues that affect their daily lives around the home, the City Council offer grants for people to adapt their homes. Grants are available for works including widening doors, installing ramps or bathroom adaptations.

Recent policy changes now mean that applications for stair lifts are no longer means tested therefore simplifying the process and making it more accessible.

Cllr Emma Morse, Lead Councillor for Supporting People, said: “We are committed to helping as many local people as possible so that they can remain safe and independent in their own homes. This policy change means those who have been assessed as needing a stair lift can be helped more effectively.”  

Exeter resident, Rick Dunscombe (81), is just one of those to recently benefit from the scheme. Mr Dunscombe was awarded a Disabled Facilities Grant to install a stair lift due to long term health issues resulting in mobility problems.

Mr Dunscombe praised the council for the life-changing grant. He said: “Small changes matter a great deal and this has had such an enriching impact on my life - both from an accessibility point of view but also in terms of my mental health.”

The City Council want to raise awareness that these grants are available for local residents.  Contact Care Direct at Devon County Council (DCC) on 0345 1551 007 for more information. They will take some basic information and pass the details to an Occupational Therapist (OT) who will then visit and assess any requirements.

For more information on grants visit the City Council website or contact Care Direct on 0345 1551007.