Age UK has reported that two-thirds of local authorities took longer than the recommended six months to deliver an adaptation through the Disabled Facilities Grant, with the longest taking more than 24 months.
The charity has called for all local authorities to radically improve the way they deliver adaptations. It says an overhaul of the system is required to help older people to live independently for longer and reduce pressure on NHS and care services.
The report, “A step change: improving delivery of the Disabled Facilities Grant”, says that increasing the amount of age-friendly, accessible housing and providing quicker access to appropriate aids and adaptations should be central to the UK’s vision for the future of older people’s housing.
Age UK cites surveys showing that older people are keen to remain living independently at home. It says accessible housing, aids and adaptations are key to this independence and give people the autonomy and confidence to live a full and active life.
Such features are also important in reducing pressure on the NHS and social care services. Adaptations such as walk-in showers and stair-lifts help to reduce falls, sustain better health, lessen dependence on others for care and ease hospital discharge.
However, the report says that in 2021/22 over two-thirds of local authorities took longer than the six months recommended by the Disabled Facilities Grant guidance, issued by the Government, to install most adaptations through the grant.
The longest took more than 24 months and, as these are average figures, some individual cases will have taken even longer.
Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK said: “Our report highlights the horrific delays older people often face when trying to get the adaptations they need through this funding.
“Better off people tend to give up and buy their own kit instead, but if you are on a low income and don’t have many savings this isn’t an option and you are condemned to wait for as long as it takes.
“Sometimes the delay is so pronounced that by the time an older person finally has the opportunity to explain what they want, the adaptation they requested is no longer relevant, because their health has declined to the point that they can no longer make use of it.
“In the meantime, while older people endlessly wait, they have to endure discomfort and inconvenience, and they may be at increased risk of falls. This is so frustrating when installing an adaptation could have made all the difference.”
To find out more about the Disabled Facilities Grant visit https://www.ageuk.org.uk/
