Cabinet approve additional support for people with a terminal illness

12 Dec 2023 ARCHIVED (over 3 months old) - view latest news

People with rapidly progressing terminal conditions, can now access non means tested funding up to £6,500 to pay for urgently needed home adaptations.

The scheme approved in Cabinet today, will enable people in the above situations to access a level of Disabled Facilities Grant without the normal requirement to undertake a means test of their ability to contribute to the adaptations.

Northumberland County Councillor Wendy Pattison, Portfolio Holder for Caring for Adults, said: “People who are already dealing with severely disabling degenerative conditions should not have the adaptations they urgently need delayed by red tape.

“This grant would be enough to cover the cost of an adaptation such as a level access shower, a stairlift, or a disabled access ramp, which could make a significant difference to someone’s quality of life and independence.

“People in that situation are already given the highest priority for an assessment by an occupational therapist, but the means test can be an unwelcome source of delay.

“I would encourage anyone in this situation who needs an urgent adaptation to speak to their occupational therapist now.”

The Council already has a policy to provide additional support in special circumstances where the means test for a DFG would otherwise make it difficult or impossible for someone to afford adaptations which they need.

The scheme approved this week extends the circumstances where a discretionary grant can be made.