Extra funding for support to stay in your own home

Hastings Borough Council has received just over £2.2m for the 2024-25 financial year to help support residents to stay in their own homes through Disabled Facilities Grants. This is more money than in 2023-24.

The grants are to help people who are having difficulty accessing or moving around their homes or are worried about being able to stay at home because of changing needs. Disabled Facilities Grants (DFGs) are means-tested grants of up to £30,000 that allow homeowners or tenants (private and housing association) to have adaptations to their homes for eligible works to enable people to live independently and safely at home.

Common DFGs include level access showers, wet rooms, kitchen adaptations, stair lifts, external access ramps, through floor lifts, door widening and electronic door entry systems.

Residents need to explore their options with an occupational therapist to obtain an assessment as to what will be necessary and appropriate to meet their needs. If adaptations to the home are recommended, you may be able to claim support through a DFG.

Initial assessment happens through East Sussex County Council's social care team who then refer to the team at Hastings Borough Council if adaptations to the home is the most appropriate support.

Cllr Glenn Haffenden, lead councillor for housing and community wellbeing, said: "The funding we receive for DFGs can only be spent on making it easier for residents to live in their own homes, so we want to make sure that people know about the grants. If you, a family member or friend, are struggling to stay in your home and adaptations could help, please visit the website or call the team to find out more and start the process. For the 2023-24 financial year, £1.9m was spent making home adaptations."

You can find out more about DFGs or you can call 01424 251031 to find out how the grant process works.

If you are having difficulty living in your home due to mobility or health issues, please contact the Health and Social Care team at East Sussex County Council. You can call them on 0345 6080191 from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week.

You can find out more at https://www.eastsussex.gov.uk/social-care/support-to-stay-at-home/help-to-use-or-move-around-your-home.