The Sunday Telegraph today revealed how bad some councils are at improving homes for the elderly and disabled. Something we are sadly aware of here at City Mobility.

Some councils are taking up to 8 years to provide, often simple mobility aids such as handrails to disabled and elderly people. Mobility equipment is so important for many people – it can mean they keep as much of their indepenence as possible and can help to delay, limit or stop a deterioration in their condition.

About 40,000 people a year in the UK are awarded a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) so that their home can be adapted for them. This usually means things like ramps, stairlifts or handrails.

The really sad fact is that some people are waiting so long for mobility equipment that they can wait no longer and are forced to give up living in their own home and move or are moved to care homes. We think this is totally unacceptable and is the reverse of government promises that vulnerable people, such as the elderly and disabled should get more support to stay in their own homes.

Carole Cochrane, Chief Executive of The Princess Royal Trust for Carers, said the failings meant elderly and infirm people were being left trapped for years, often unable to move around even within their homes.

She said: “We see many elderly people finding themselves, effectively, a prisoner in parts of their homes as they wait for basic equipment. It is unacceptable that people have to wait so long for adaptations to their homes.

The Daily Telegraph report was by Laura Donnelly, Health correspondent, and was published 02 May 2010

Author: Jane