Help available to support people with disabilities live independently

The city council works with Gloucestershire County Council, and the Gloucestershire Health and Care Foundation Trust to provide Disabled Facilities Grants to people who have been assessed by an occupational therapist and are eligible for help with the costs of the adaptations they need to live safely and independently in their own homes.

A DFG can help home owners and private tenants meet the cost of eligible adaptation works up to a maximum of £30,000.

The DFG funding can be used towards the costs of home adaptations such as stair-lifts, level access showers, wet rooms, hoists, grab rails and ramps. The grant is also used to support the costs associated with employing an architect or surveyor to design and oversee the adaptations for you. These grants can play a critical role in avoiding the need for hospital or care home admission, as well as helping to speed-up discharge from hospital.

For more information about DFG’s visit the council’s website or telephone the Adult Social Care Helpdesk on 01452 426868; or email the Social Service Helpdesk at socialcare.enq@gloucestershire.gov.uk.

Further information about eligibility is also outlined in the Government’s guidance at www.gov.uk/disabled-facilities-grants/eligibility.

Cllr Andrew Gravells, cabinet member for planning and housing strategy, said: “I’m really pleased we’re able to administer this funding, as this grant can be literally life changing and lengthening, helping more people to live independently in their own homes and improve their quality of life.

“The Disabled Facilities Grant is a really important part of our ambition to reduce health inequalities. I’m really keen to see more people become aware of this grant, and I’d encourage residents who may be eligible to apply, so they can benefit from it.”