Sam Lewis, a 34-year-old with rheumatoid arthritis, struggles to access safe bathing facilities in her rented flats, often resorting to showering at her local gym due to unsafe conditions at home. Despite entitlement to funding for needed adaptations, two councils have failed to assess her situation adequately. Nationwide, delay in completing these adaptations averages 357 days, with some areas experiencing much longer wait times. Promptly adapting homes can reduce social care costs and improve life quality for disabled residents, yet the system's inefficiency poses substantial barriers for those in need.
"I feel very anxious about slipping," says Sam, who has previously sustained injuries from falls. Simple changes could greatly improve her safety at home."
"The average completion time for adaptations has risen 18% over the past five years, now standing at 357 days in some areas."
"Disabled and elderly residents can be entitled to funding for changes ranging from stairlifts and accessible bathrooms to structural extensions."
"If she cannot climb into the bath, but can manage the walk, Sam showers at her local gym, making the journey 150 times in four years."
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