Cash boost to adapt homes

Thursday 1st April 2010, 6:59PM BST.

Powys is to get a share of a £2 million funding pot to adapt older people’s homes to help them out of hospital more quickly.

The county will receive £101,551 for the next financial year so minor but vital adaptations can be carried out, Deputy Minister for Housing and Regeneration, Jocelyn Davies, announced yesterday.

It will mean equipment such as ramps, handrails, safety alarms and door entry systems can be fitted in people’s homes quickly so their hospital release is not delayed.

It could also mean future hospital admissions could be avoided. The Rapid Response Adaptations Programme will be administered and monitored by Care and Repair Cymru and delivered by Care and Repair agencies.

The Minister said: “The Rapid Response Adaptations Programme provides a valuable service that allows older people across Wales to get back to familiar surroundings more quickly and to continue living safely and independently in their own homes for as long as possible.

Simple adaptations to a person’s home, such as adding grab rails or levelling paths, can have a huge impact on their quality of life.

“By carrying out these repairs and adaptations we allow older people to remain in their own homes in comfort and security.”

View more: Mid Wales news, Powys news.