Experts by Experience

Beulah lives near her big family in Folkestone. She received grants from the government to improve her home, which have completely transformed her daily routine and quality of life.

Janet and her husband Paul live in Swindon. They became a couple when Janet moved into a sheltered housing scheme after being unable to remain in her previous home, which was neither accessible nor adaptable for her as a wheelchair user.

Sheila discusses the changes she made to her house enabling her to live independently as a disabled person.

Julie and Peter converted the garage of their newly built home into a two-bedroomed accessible property for Julie’s elderly parents. They later tried to rent it to others but struggled to find tenants, despite the market need for such accommodation.

Pauline would like to live as independently as possible but her inaccessible house means she is reliant on carers to help her with daily activities

Joan’s home has poor ventilation and a lack of broadband. She is trying to move to a new property but the process is proving very difficult to manage on her own.

Jane's recovery has been slowed by the fact that her home has not been adapted for a disabled person.

Gina talks about the positive difference a new walk-in shower has made to her life.

Beryl paid for a commercial firm to build her a walk-in shower, although she was eligible for a grant from the council.

This report aims to raise awareness of the links between health and homes, and provides examples of local systems that have developed cross-sector collaboration. These include NHS initiatives to improve residents’ health by tackling problems in their own homes.

This report summarises research on how five local authorities used various finance models to support individuals ,to improve the condition of their homes.

This is a recording of a webinar where we talk about a lack of financial support which results in many people continuing to live in unsafe homes that damage their health. Despite the reduction in local authority funding for home improvements, some areas are successfully expanding the financial support they offer.

In these case studies, we look at topics such as small adaptations ensuring independence at home and bigger home adaptations such as stairlifts, grab and handrails to make everyday tasks easier.