Councils continue to support disabled and vulnerable residents through the Disabled Facilities Grant
South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils continue to offer the Disabled Facilities Grant to help disabled and vulnerable residents make their homes safer, more comfortable, and better suited to their needs.
The Disabled Facilities Grant is a means-tested grant providing financial help for home adaptations such as installing ramps and stairlifts for easier access, fitting level-access showers, or improving heating and insulation.
The grant is up to a maximum of £50,000 to help those who need it most.
The grant aims to:
- support more disabled residents to live independently in their homes
- reduce hospital admissions and enable prompt hospital discharges
- reduce the need for residential care by allowing people with disabilities to live independently in their own homes
- support tailored home adaptations for those who need them including people with dementia
To apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant, the first step is to contact an Occupational Therapist to see if you’re eligible. For more information on applying for grants and loans please see our dedicated website page (South / Vale).
Mrs H and her husband were initially referred for a Disabled Facilities Grant for bathroom adaptations, but when the councils’ Home Improvement Agency (HIA) visited they found Mrs H and her husband living without heating, hot water, or safe windows and doors. Our HIA stepped in to provide repairs and support in addition to the bathroom adaptations to ensure they were living in a safe, warm and functioning home.
Mrs H who is currently caring for her husband following a dementia diagnosis said: “Can I just say a big thank you to you for sorting this out for us. The difference it will make to us this winter not to have the wind blowing through the gaps in our windows and doors. Having hot water and the shower has made such a difference to my husband – he has some independence back. And when the doors can lock, I know it will take a worry off me. Thank you for all your help – since you came everything has started to happen, you are like my little guardian angel.”
Mrs. T faced increasing safety risks at home due to a long-term degenerative condition, making parts of her property difficult to access. With help from our HIA, home modifications were carried out to improve her safety, mobility, and ease of access.
Mrs T said: “The service provided was excellent, efficient and courteous. I am now feeling more mobile and confident with accessing my property due to the ramp and new level access door which was installed. The contractor even gave a bespoke finish to the timber handrails allowing it to be more aesthetically pleasing.”
Councillor Maggie Filipova-Rivers, Cabinet Member for Housing and Community Hub, said: “It’s great to see the Disabled Facilities Grant making such a difference in our community, helping people live more freely in their homes.
“Adaptations like ramps, rails, and safer bathrooms can make daily life much easier, helping people stay independent and comfortable, while also easing the pressure on carers.”
Councillor Andy Crawford, Cabinet Member for Property and Housing, said: “Simple changes, like converting a bathroom, can make a life-changing difference for people in our community. This funding helps people with disabilities stay in their homes and maintain their independence for as long as possible.
“As more people live longer, safe and accessible housing is becoming increasingly important for community wellbeing. By supporting home adaptations through the Disabled Facilities Grant, we can improve quality of life and ease pressure on carers and health services.”
ENDS
