SKDC grants to help residents stay safe and well at home
Grants of up to £8,000 are available to ensure residents of South Kesteven can remain safe and healthy in their homes for as long as possible.
The District Council has been given an extra £93,000 grant from central government’s Better Care Fund to spend on supporting older and disabled people, who meet the required criteria, to be independent and safer in their homes.
The Better Care Fund was set up in 2013 to help people maintain their independence, reduce unnecessary admissions to hospitals, and to keep hospital stays as short as possible.
The grants pay for essential home repairs to ensure homes are properly heated; ensure electrics are safe to prevent fires or electric shocks; and remove trip hazards caused by accumulations of waste and unwanted items.
SKDC’s cabinet member for housing, Coun Nick Neilson (Con), said: “Falls are one of the main reasons why people move from their own homes into residential care, which increases social care costs and reduces independence.
“The overall effect of increasing personal wellbeing, preventing accidents and reducing strain on carers means the cost savings to health and social care of preventing falls is likely to be considerable.
“A package of relatively low-cost adaptations could reduce falls and may delay hospital admissions.
“In addition, many chronic health conditions, particularly those experienced by older people, can be linked to, or are exacerbated by, poor housing.
“Frail and older people experience poorer physical and mental health and have a higher risk of mortality, while babies and young children have an increased risk of respiratory problems.”
Health risks associated with cold homes include increased respiratory illness; worsening of asthma; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; worsening of arthritis; increased blood pressure and risk of heart attacks and stroke.
“A cold home also increases the risk of falls and accidents as strength and dexterity decreases at lower temperatures,” said Coun Neilson.
“Making homes wind and weather-proof, along with ensuring there is an adequate heating system could reduce symptoms or instances of illness.”
Grants are available under the council’s Housing Assistance Policy to owner-occupiers over the age of 65, or those with chronic or severe health conditions, as verified by a GP or other health professional, that are made worse by poor housing conditions.
Anyone who believes they may be eligible for a grant should email SKDC’s private sector housing team on ehs@southkesteven.gov.uk or visit the council’s website at HERE for more information.