Issued by City of York Council
City of York Council’s Cabinet is releasing additional funding for major adaptations that help more people stay independent and safe in their own homes for longer.
Cabinet has agreed £615,000 over the next year to offer discretionary assistance for disabled customers who need financial help to adapt their home. Grants are generally means tested – exceptions are made for families with disabled children– meaning that support and advice is offered to the most vulnerable residents.
The funding will benefit disabled people who live in homes they own or rent privately, by improving facilities to support their independence. This includes installing home adaptations such as level access showers and home access ramps of which the council funds over 170 a year across the city.
The continuation of funding shows the council’s commitment to supporting vulnerable residents across the city and the effect of these adaptations. Recent feedback showed that 100 per cent of people who had them installed said that the aids met their needs and improved their quality of life.
The funding complements other schemes which enable the provision of minor adaptations such as grabrails and handrails – of which between 1,800 and 2,000 are installed every year – and which are quick and easy to fit and help disabled people feel safer. In addition, the recent city-wide GeniUS! initiative asked for ideas on how the city can help its older and vulnerable residents live in their own homes for longer with more confidence and security.
Councillor Tracey Simpson-Laing, Cabinet Member for Health, Housing and Adult Social Services said: “I am delighted that the council is continuing to offer invaluable support to vulnerable residents to improve their quality of life.
“We as a council are constantly striving to find the best solutions to support older or disabled people to carry on living in their own homes with confidence and security and are about to publish ‘Positive Ageing, Housing Choices’, an older person’s housing options guide, as well as run a new series of housing drop-in sessions for older people at Auden House and Alex Lyons House. This facilities improvement funding clearly demonstrates that commitment.”
This content has not been created by YorkMix but by one of our trusted news sources. YorkMix is not responsible for the accuracy of the text.