Disability waiting times for housing are huge. Even for the able-bodied, it can be hard getting onto the housing ladder.
So imagine the stress it can cause people who have a disability that restricts the home they can buy. Especially when the properties that are available just aren’t adequate 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. This is one of the main influencing factors of this drastically increasing wait time that many face.
These are heavily sought after properties. So it’s little wonder that 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 considered a priority still have a long wait ahead.
Government Plans for New Buyers
The Government has speculated that they aim to create around 200,000 new homes for first time buyers by 2020. While some may see this as a huge boost in the housing that is available, the recommended designs show even more homes with unsuitable disabled access.
The Government has declared that it is up to local authorities to prioritise and adapt homes to provide suitable accommodation for those with disabilities.
It has, however, stated that it plans to create 8,000 new homes to accommodate more elderly and disabled people up and down the country.
Although this may reduce the wait times, it won’t be instantaneous. More housing will still be required to keep up with the increasing demand for accessibility.
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. They have extra wide door frames to accommodate wheelchairs.
If there are steps up to a property, these can be converted into a ramp with a handle. This makes ascending up into the building much easier. Stairlifts can be installed to make multi storey buildings more accessible, too.
If you feel like you are becoming trapped in your own home, don’t hesitate to get in touch. 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.