More residents in Bebington and Birkenhead will be helped to carry on living at home thanks to an extra £412,000 awarded to the Council by the Government.
The cash, announced this week, helps to support people to be discharged from hospital quicker and also help older people and those with disabilities live safely and independently in their own homes.
Delivered jointly by the Department of Health and Social Care and the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, eligible disabled people of all ages will be able to apply to Wirral Council for a grant to adapt their home to better meet their needs.
The help is available to homeowners, private renters and those in social housing.Councillor Colin Baldwin has welcomed the cash and is encouraging those who need help to come forward:
“Before I was elected in May, I’d previously volunteered at the Moreton Day Centre, helping adults with physical and learning disabilities.
“Home adaptations can make a massive difference to a person’s quality of life and confidence – whether it’s hand rails in the bathroom or at the front door, or lifts and stairlifts in the home. There will be people across Wirral who could see their lives made that bit easier with one of these grants – and, because it’s a grant, it doesn’t need to be repaid.”
Minister for Adult Social Care, Helen Whately (pictured), added: “If you’re older or living with a disability, a well-adapted home gives you independence and safety.
“Living in your own home can be impossible after illness or injury without changes like wheelchair ramps, handrails or a stairlift
“Sometimes all that stands in the way of a patient going home from hospital is a simple home adaptation - so this this is good news for patients and hospitals too. It’ll mean more people can recover from a hospital stay at home, and more NHS beds for patients who need them.”
Wirral’s share is from £50 million available nationally, with a further £52 million investment next year.
Residents, of family members, can find out more via https://www.wirral.gov.uk/housing/help-your-home/making-changes-your-home-if-you-are-disabled
