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If you want to stay independent in your own home for longer, making some simple adaptations could make your everyday life simpler. Find out how you can make a difference to your quality of life and how to pay for them - either through a grant or other means.
Adapting your home guide (PDF 2MB)
There are many different types of equipment available, whether you have difficulty getting in and out of your property, using the stairs, answering the door, or carrying out everyday tasks such as cooking, washing, dressing or using the toilet.
Or, you may just want some reassurance that you would be able to get help quickly if you needed it – in this case, simply fitting a community alarm might do the trick. Perhaps you struggle to carry out maintenance tasks these days and need some help with repairs?
Making adaptations to your home can be costly, but you may be eligible for help from the local authority.
Disability equipment and small adaptations costing less than £1000 are generally provided free of charge if you’ve been assessed as needing it and you are eligible. Contact your local social services department to have your needs assessed.
Examples of adaptations and equipment you might try include grab rails, ramps, and kettle tippers. Larger adaptations may be funded through a Disabled Facilities Grant.
For more information on this topic download see the factsheets: Disability equipment and how to get it (PDF 248 KB) Funding repairs, improvements and adaptations (PDF 113 KB)
You could also try contacting a home improvement agency (HIA). These are not-for-profit organisations that help owner-occupiers or tenants of private rented accommodation who are older, disabled or on low incomes, to repair, improve or adapt their homes.
They offer practical help with tasks such as arranging a survey, getting estimates for work, or accessing financial help. They might also run a handyperson scheme. For more information about HIAs, visit the Foundations website.
For information on repairs in the private rental sector, see the factsheet Tenants' rights: repairs (PDF 168 KB).
If you’re having difficulty managing in your home and it is not possible to adapt it, you may have to consider moving to alternative accommodation. Read more about your housing choices or see the guide Housing options (PDF 670 KB).
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Factsheet about the legal rights of tenants to keep their home:
Factsheet about how much your landlord can charge you in rent:
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