Even for the most able-bodied of people, it can be incredibly hard to get onto the housing ladder to buy a new home.
So imagine the stress and heartache it can cause people who have movement impairment or a disability that restricts how they can get around their home when the properties that are available just aren’t adequate enough for their needs.
If that wasn’t enough, a report by the Leonard Cheshire Charity has found that many people with disabilities have to deal with long waiting times to be placed in a more suitable, accessible property.
Current Housing Isn’t Accessible
According to the report, only 5% of current properties in the UK are considered as accessible to disabled people, which is one of the main influencing factors of this drastically increasing wait time that many people are having to go through.
With so much competition for these heavily sought after properties, it’s little wonder why the number of people on the waiting list has increased by 7% over the last 5 years.
What is even more worrying is that even those people who are considered as a priority still have a long wait ahead of them.
Government Plans for New Buyers
The Government has speculated that they aim to create around 200,000 new homes for first time buyers by the year 2020, and while some may see this as a huge boost in the housing that is available, the recommended designs that have been put forward show even more homes which aren’t suitable for disabled homeowners.
The Government has declared that it is up to local authorities to prioritise and adapt homes to provide suitable accommodation for people who have mobility issues or disabilities.
It has, however, stated that it plans to create 8,000 new home to accommodate more elderly and disabled people up and down the country.
Although this may reduce the wait times, it won’t be instantaneous, and more housing will still be required to keep up with the increasing demand for accessible homes.
The Chief Executive of Leonard Cheshire Disability, Clare Pelham, has urged councils to help them in their fight to have more accessible homes made available.
She said “We are urging councils to insist that developers build homes to disabled-friendly standards. Doing so costs councils nothing, and will save millions of pounds in health and social care costs now and in the future.”
What Makes an Accessible Home?
Does it take a lot to create these accessible homes? In truth, not really. Many of the accessible homes are on one level for easy access, with extra wide doorframes to accommodate for wheelchair users.
If there are steps up to a property, these can be converted into a ramp with a handle to make ascending up into the building much easier, and stairlifts can be installed to make multi storey buildings more accessible.
If you feel like you are becoming trapped in your own home, no matter whether it is because of a disability that affects your mobility or you simply don’t feel safe ascending or descending your stairs, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us and browse our selection of stairlifts for sale. Give our team a call today on 0800 046 3438 and we will be able to offer you friendly, helpful advice.