Making changes to our homes is something many of us are faced with as we grow older and our needs and lifestyles change. Those changes are nearly always relatively minor, aimed at making life a little easier and helping us do the things we are used to doing independently. Sometimes though, at GB Home Adaptations we face questions and concerns from homeowners who are looking to make more significant changes.
The bathroom is one of the most popular rooms in the home where older people decide to take a long look at and possibly make those changes. It may have served them perfectly well over the years, however advancing years bring a range of challenges that never existed before.
While every home and every individual requirement can differ considerably. When it comes to bathroom adaptations and aids, there are a range of common topics our customers wish to address.
Bathroom adaptations for the elderly
Many homeowners already have a good idea of the adaptations they need or want for their bathrooms, but many more appreciate the help and advice we can offer.
This can especially be the case for those who are planning their adaptations independently without the help and support of local councils and occupational therapists; there are a wide range of bathroom aids on the market, choosing the right ones for you is incredibly important as it can save you time and money going forwards.
Bathroom adaptations & bath aids
There are a wide range of adaptations available, from relatively quick-fix bathroom aids such as grab rails, shower seats and raised toilets, to much more involved bathroom adaptations such as full wetroom conversions, non-slip flooring and wider doorways.
We can offer professional help and advice around bathroom adaptations and bath aids via our dedicated in-house Occupational Therapist Simon.
You can learn more about what an Occupational Therapist assessment will involve and see answers to any questions you might have, on our website.
Mobility Adaptation grants
For many people, particularly those in need of more costly bathroom adaptations and bath aids, the prices involved can make their plans feel like a pipedream.
However, there are funding options available for those who might need it and pass the eligibility criteria.
The first and most important step for anyone thinking about how to get a wetroom from the council, or a mobility adaptation grant to help with the costs of the bathroom aids they need, is to get a home assessment from their local council. Our in-depth guide on how to do that can be found on our website here.
From the funding options that are available to help with bathroom adaptations, one of the most popular is The Disabled Facilities Grant.
The DFG has been in place now for more than thirty years, to help as many people as possible undertake the repairs, improvements and adaptations they need to improve accessibility, safety and independence in their homes.
You can learn more about the DFG grant and the important things to know before applying by visiting the DFG help section of our website
If you find you are ineligible for the Disabled Facilities Grant, there may be other options to help with the expense of a wetroom or other bathroom adaptation; we have gathered some useful advice in our article here, for that very purpose.
If you need help and advice about any aspect of bathroom aids, adaptations and the help, support and advice that is available, please get in touch. You can do this via our website or by calling our specialist team on Hereford 01432 272 188.