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Home adaptions
What is meant by barrier-free housing?
Barrier-free housing refers to the design of living spaces and environments that can be accessed and used by people with different types of disabilities. This means that there are no obstacles that could make it difficult for people with mobility, sensory or cognitive impairments to move around and use their home safely and independently. For example, wider doors, level entrances, non-slip floors and adapted bathrooms can help to reduce barriers
What are the benefits of barrier-free housing for people in need of care?
Barrier-free homes can be designed to meet the needs of wheelchair users, the visually and hearing impaired and people with other impairments. In this context, they bring a number of benefits:
- Enabling people with different disabilities to move freely and safely around their homes without encountering obstacles.
- Promoting independence and autonomy as residents are less dependent on help to carry out their daily activities.
- Making everyday living easier by providing access to all areas of a home, including bedrooms, kitchens and bathrooms.
Which basic modifications or adaptations can be made to make housing more accessible for people with disabilities and care needs?
Overall, several changes can be made to ensure barrier-free housing. In the floor plan below, click on the various interactive points to find out possible adaptations in the kitchen, bathroom and bedroom, and learn how they can be implemented.
How can informal carers help to create an environment that supports the independence and quality of life of people in need of care?
As an Informal carer, you can create accessible and barrier-free environments for your care recipients. The solutions presented in this section can significantly improve the lives of people in need of care. They allow to move freely and safely while performing everyday activities independently. You should take special care to ensure that the home of your care recipient is easily accessible, with wide doorways, non-slip floors and other adaptations that take all needs into account. By implementing accessible housing options, you can improve the quality of life of care recipients and provide them with an environment where they feel comfortable.
Good Practices
How to finance domestic adaptation
Contact your local municipality to ask about home adaptation.
Opportunities for domestic and environmental adaptation.
Langer thuis in huis (Longer at home in your house)
“Langer thuis in huis” is a website that offers information on topics such as home adaptations, home aids, and financial help to enable people to carry on living in their homes as they age or encounter mobility problems.
Regelhulp is a government website that provides a guide for navigating help and support measures. They offer information and helpful links on housing, and more.
The “Mobile Wohnberatung Hanau“ (Mobile housing advisory service Hanau) was founded in 2009-2010 as part of the model programme “New Housing – Advice and Cooperation for a Better Quality of Life in Old Age”, funded by the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youths. Advice on all aspects of home adaptations can be obtained on site or by telephone. This is helpful in selecting a suitable financing method and funding programme.
Barrierefrei Leben e.V. shows a range of possible home adaptations in favour of barrier-free living. Click on the link and get to know about more accessible adaptations.
Catálogo de produtos de apoio [Catalogue of support products]
Accessible information about National Agents and Assistive Products available on the national market. The catalogue enables users to obtain information on various types of products and compare their technical and functional specifications to find the most suitable products for specific cases. This is an intervention programme aimed at promoting accessibility of public services for individuals with limited mobility. This programme is part of the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR) for the 2021-2025 programming period and aims to support interventions in at least 1,500 public buildings.Accessibility of housing for people with disabilities
The Lithuanian Union of Persons with Disabilities has announced on its website the official launch of a programme for adapting the homes for individuals with disabilities
Home adaptation for people with disability in Vilnius municipality
On this website, you will find information on how to apply for home adaptation for people with disability in the Vilnius municipality.
Resources
Database of centres specialising in the topic
Centres in Italy that can provide information and/or help and/or advice on home adaptation and more generally on issues of accessibility and independent living paths in disability.
Infographic home adaptations for Wlz (long-term care) recipients
An infographic explaining how to arrange home adaptations when you have a Wlz (long-term care) indication.
Intervention programme aimed at promoting accessibility to public services for individuals with limited mobility. This programme is part of the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR) for the 2021-2025 programming period and aims to support interventions in at least 1,500 public buildings.
Measures on how to adapt a home for a person with a disability, meet the needs of an individual with reduced mobility, and deal with architectural barriers.
Agency for the Protection of the Rights of Person with Disabilities
This agency provides a legal framework and information about home adaptions for people with disabilities.