Disabled Facilities Grants case studies

Mr and Mrs A were struggling to use the stairs in their house. This was making them anxious every day because the only toilet in their house was upstairs. They were also unable to use the bath which meant they could only wash at the handbasin. 

After an assessment by a member of the Occupational Therapy Team, a stair lift and level access shower were recommended. The application was approved, funded through a Disabled Facilities Grant and installed by Solihull Community Housing (SCH) contractors. 

The adaptations are making a positive difference to their lives and allowing them to remain independent at home.

Indicative costs for work:

• level access shower £5,000
• straight stairlift £2,000
• curved stairlift (where needed) up to £5,000

B is 10 years old, has a permanent physical disability and is a fulltime wheelchair user. His family had to use portable ramps so he could get into or out of the house or go into the garden.

An Occupational Therapy assessment recommended permanent ramped access to the house. This was funded by a Disabled Facilities Grant and installed by SCH contractors.

The ramp was built at the rear and side of the house enabling B to spend time outside with his siblings and take part in family activities. The ramp also allows B safe access to and from his home to attend school and go out into his local community, giving him more independence and freedom.

Indicative costs for work: ramp between £1,000 - £3,000

C is a young boy with a progressive neurological condition causing muscle weakness which will eventually lead to fulltime wheelchair use.  

An Occupational Therapy assessment recommended internal building work to create space for a through floor lift enabling C to access the first floor facilities safely and independently. Ramped access was provided at the front and rear of his house, giving him easier access to his garden and local community/school.

The wall between the separate toilet and bathroom was removed to create a larger wet room for future wheelchair use, making the property suitable for current and future needs. This was funded by a Disabled Facilities Grant.

Indicative cost for work: £23,000

Ceiling track hoists are used to help someone who needs regular hoisting to move from bed to chair/wheelchair. One important benefit is that they can be used by a single carer (depending on a risk assessment) and don’t take up floor space. This can mean a reduction in a care package, for example.

Recently ceiling track hoists were provided through a Disabled Facilities Grant for Mrs C in her bedroom and lounge. These replaced her sizeable mobile hoist, making every day care easier, and less effort for her carers. The ceiling track hoists also allow Mrs C to be more involved in her own care.

Indicative cost for work: ceiling track hoists can cost between £2,000 and £3,500.

Mr J had fallen over going out into the garden. An Occupational Therapy assessment recommended a half step large enough for his walking frame and grab rails to be installed at the back door to make the area safer and reduce the risk of further falls.

Indicative cost: under £1,000

Mrs S was having difficulty accessing her ground floor toilet.  She fell over behind the toilet door, was unable to get up and had to be rescued by the ambulance service.

An Occupational Therapy assessment recommended rehanging the door to open outwards, installing grab rails by the toilet and a referral to SCH Wellbeing Service for a pendant alarm system.

Indicative cost: under £1,000.

Mrs W’s daughter requested an assessment for additional rails after her mother tripped on the stairs and narrowly avoided falling. An additional banister rail and Newel grab rail were installed. This made going up and down stairs much safer for Mrs W and provided greater peace of mind for her daughter. 

Indicative cost: under £1,000