Laura Sharman 18 November 2015

Research shows how adapted homes can save £22,000 a year

Using the Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) to carry out home adaptions can delay someone moving into a residential care home by four years, a new investigation has revealed.

The research, conducted by Foundations, also found the average DFG was for less than £7,000 compared with a residential care place costing around £29,000 a year, resulting in significant cost savings for local authorities.

A freedom of information request carried out by Foundations showed that on average, a person who had previously received a DFG moved into a care home before their 80th birthday and stayed there for two years. For those who hadn’t benefited from DFG funded home adaptations, they tended to move into care when they were 76 and stayed there for six years.

Paul Smith, director of Foundations, said: ‘It makes sense that adapting your home means that you can live there independently for longer, but this research indicates that modifications such as stairlifts, level access showers and ramps really do help to delay people moving into care homes – by four years.

‘We have an ageing population and this brings growing financial pressure on both the public purse and the finances of individuals. That’s why enabling people to live in their own homes has never been more important – home adaptations via DFG offer a cost-effective and empowering solution.’

The investigation also found that councils are starting to monitor the impact of grants used to fund adaptations for those on low incomes

The research also revealed that councils were starting to monitor the impact of grants used to fund home adaptations, linking them to social care spend.

Mr Smith added: ‘It’s a requirement of the Better Care Fund for the NHS and social care to link their information system using the NHS Number.

'I would like to see this extended to the IT systems used to manage DFG applications and other housing interventions so that all local authorities can track the benefits and also start to target people who may be at premature risk of moving into residential care.’

Read our exclusive article from Foundations, arguing it's imperative that local authorities measure the impact of DFGs carried out in their areas.

The £37,000 SEND Problem image

The £37,000 SEND Problem

Natalie Kenneison, COO at Imosphere, argues that the real SEND funding crisis isn’t just about budgets - it’s about the systems behind the decisions.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Housing Assurance Service Manager

Kirklees Metropolitan Council
£55,675 - £56,649
We’re building a brand-new assurance team in our Homes & Neighbourhoods service Kirklees, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Kirklees Metropolitan Council

Trainee Public Health Practitioner

Kirklees Metropolitan Council
£24,404 - £24,790
Working within the Kirklees Public Health Improvement team Kirklees, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Kirklees Metropolitan Council

Climate Change Officer

Kirklees Metropolitan Council
£40,476 - £42,708
Are you a passionate and enthusiastic Climate Change Officer Kirklees, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Kirklees Metropolitan Council

Transition Home Manager

Durham County Council
Grade 13 £45,718 - £49,764 (Pay Award Pending)
Could you support young people to realise their individual potential and prepare them for their journey towards independence. NOT JUST A PLACE OF WOR Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

SEND and Inclusion Senior Specialist Support Worker (Communication and Interaction Team)

Durham County Council
Grade 8 £31,586 - £35,235 (Pay Award Pending)
We are recruiting a SEND & Inclusion Senior Specialist Support Worker to join our Specialist SEND & Inclusion Team. We would be particularly intereste Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner