Nearly 50 per cent of people want the Government to pay for modifications of potentially up to £30,000 or more to make their parents’ home more accessible according to a new survey.
Researchers polled 2,000 adults aged 40 or over and all the people asked were in contact with at least one parent that lives independently at home.
Commissioned by Stiltz Home Lifts, the study revealed that nearly one in two people – a staggering 977 (48 per cent) of respondents – plan to apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant to help keep their elderly mother or father – or both – living independently at home.
A Disabled Facilities Grant may be provided by the local authority to help adapt the home including allowing for improved access to floors and rooms. In fact, the grant can cover anything that ‘contributes towards living a fulfilling and independent long life as long as it shown to improve quality of life’.
The scheme is not only open to homeowners but for those that live in rented accommodation too as tenants can apply through their landlords. The Disabled Facilities Grant offers a maximum of £30,000 but this figure can be topped up by local authorities for help with other home improvement projects for eligible residents.
A mere 13 per cent (274) of respondents said they had no intention of applying for a disability grant, while 37 per cent (749) said they did not know.
Jim Goodwin from Rugby in Warwickshire, successfully secured a Disabled Facilities Grant from Rugby Borough Council to install a Stiltz home lift in his home for his mother, Betty, 95, who could no longer use the stairs. Jim said: “I contacted the council, they came to the house, looked at Mum’s situation and said we would be eligible for a grant. We were delighted.”
Nearly 20 per cent of those questioned said they planned to make adaptations to their parents’ home within the next three years so their mother or father can continue living in the property – while 16 per cent had already made modifications. Only 2 per cent said they did not plan to make any alterations at all.
The research, carried out by onepoll.com, showed 69 per cent agreed that their parent’s desire for independence was the most important thing to them. Around 13 per cent stated their parents wanted to stay at home but make home modifications to make it more accessible.
However, moving to a care home as they are not able to live independently anymore (1 per cent) or move into the family home (2 per cent) were clearly not desirable options. For 2 per cent of those polled said their parents would like to move to a care home but could not afford it.
Easy to arrange lots of information, No problems with fitting, payment taken in stages, last payment when job was completed. Everyone was friendly from start to finish.
My experience with Stiltz Homelifts. Just over a month ago, I had my Stiltz lift installed and I am so pleased with it. The workmen that came and fitted it were very professional and knew what they were doing. They were so professional I would not hesitate to recommend Stiltz lifts to anybody.
Great looking product, knowledgeable sales people, fitters work clean quickly and polite. Definitely recommend.
Great stylist lift, had for six months without a hitch. Installed by company staff not subcontractors. Cannot fault the lift, buying experience, installation, service. Good company ethos and made in UK.
From the very beginning with the initial construction to the finished product. I have never seen such polite men with an equal work ethic. They cleaned as they went each day. The pets were never in harm. The finished product is awesome. Couldn’t be more pleased
Excellent from beginning to end – and beyond.
Everybody we dealt with at Stiltz was very helpful and efficient, from the initial meeting with Nick Sale, the sales rep, thorough technical inspection, the builders, installers, plumber, electrician, and excellent follow up service and attention. My husband’s life is transformed and mine is much easier. Thank you Stiltz.
Elegant lift, promptly installed by careful and tidy fitters who removed their rubbish the following day. A fair price and an envied addition to our home.
I have been astounded and gratified by the levels of service we have received from every member of the Stiltz teams we have dealt with. A superb lift with exceptional service!
An excellent company from the first contact to the completed project. All personnel were friendly and very polite but stayed extremely professional throughout. Having been in the construction industry for over 40 years I was aware the preparation work was carried out to a high standard by the best of trades people. The lift itself can not be faulted both the operation and aesthetics.
The service was better than 1st class. It was excellent in every way. We could not be more pleased with everything Stiltz applied it’s self to in any way. We would award 6 stars at the very least.
Home lifts are a modern alternative to stairlifts, offering reliability, speed, capacity, and seamless aesthetic integration for a stylish and efficient solution.
Power cuts can be unpredictable. Here’s what you need to know about using your home lift when the lights go out.
Transform your home into a wheelchair-accessible space with our list of wheelchair-friendly adaptations.
