People with learning disabilities will benefit from £25 million of funding to help them live more independently in their own homes. The fund aims to improve their quality of life by giving them independence, and helping them feel more included in their local community.
The successful bids of the £25 million housing technology fund have been announced by Health Minister David Mowat.
The local authority projects will focus on adapting existing housing, creating new accommodation and giving people support so they have more independence and choice.
Only 15% of adults with learning disabilities in England have a secure long-term tenancy or their own home. The Department of Health claims that it aims to address this by supporting projects, including shared ownership schemes, adapting existing properties with new technology and building new technologically adapted homes.
The main aims of the fund are to:
• prevent unnecessary in-patient admissions, including solutions for people who need urgent housing and are at risk of entering inappropriate services like hospital or residential care
• encourage community-based solutions which promote independence and choice over housing
• make use of new technologies and other bespoke adaptations to improve and adapt existing accommodation
• save money by reducing the need for costly hands-on care
The allocation of the funding to local authorities including Sheffield, is a step towards achieving the government’s aim for safe, reliable and innovative alternatives to inpatient care for people with learning disabilities.
For more information, including the list of authorities receiving funding, read the full article. .
