A RECENT change in policy will mean that more elderly and disabled residents will receive the support they need to live comfortably in their own homes or relocate to more suitable accommodation, says Waverley Borough Council.

Waverley’s Private Sector Improvement Policy will be funded by its Better Care Fund grant of over £640,000 per year received from central government. 

The change of policy includes a new Prevention Grant of up to £5,000. This includes home safety checks, provision of rails, ramps, hoists and steps and emergency heating and electrical repairs and will help elderly and disabled people to return home from hospital safely and free up NHS beds. 

Portfolio holder for housing Carole King said: “Investing money in this way means that more people can live comfortably in their own homes for longer. Pressures on health services are reduced as more people are able to be discharged from hospital safely, and those who need to move to more manageable properties can get help with relocation.” 

The new policy also removes the requirement for means testing Disabled Facilities Grants for stair lifts, ramps and rails.

And Safe and Warm Grants support energy efficiency and home security measures and help to reduce fuel poverty. The upper limit of Safe and Warm grants has been increased from £5,000 to £10,000 and the qualifying residency period has reduced from three years to one year.

For more information see www.waverley.gov.uk and look up Disabled Facilities Grant; or contact Simon Brisk on 01483 523421.