Investing in independence

How home adaptations are changing lives

What do independence and wellbeing mean to you? For nine-year-old Marley in Hungerford, it means having a bedroom she can call her own. For her mum, Nicki, it's the comfort of knowing her 
daughter can access a shower safely and easily. For hundreds of people across West Berkshire, it's the quiet joy of living independently, made possible by simple but life-changing home adaptations.
 
At West Berkshire Council, we see independence and wellbeing as essentials, not luxuries. With support from the Government's Disabled Facilities Grant, we're helping people live safer, fuller lives in the homes they love.

Last year, over 140 homes in West Berkshire were adapted to support elderly residents, disabled children and adults with physical challenges. These changes, from stair lifts and wet rooms to kitchen updates and secure entry systems, are more than practical - they truly change lives.

"The new rooms are my pride and joy," says Nicki. 

"Before, getting Marley to the bathroom was a struggle - it was all hoists, stairlifts, discomfort. Our son had to share a room with us, which was tough. Now, he has his own space, we have ours, and Marley loves her new room. It's changed everything."
 

We're proud to provide home adaptations, and they are cost-effective as well. By helping people stay safe at home, we reduce the need for costly residential care and ongoing support:
 

• A £30,000 bedroom adaptation for a disabled child enables them to live safely and comfortably at home with their family - potentially avoiding a £300,000 annual residential care placement 
• Installing ground-floor facilities for an adult with physical disabilities, at under £30,000, supports independent living at home - while reducing the need for £12,000-£13,000 in annual care costs
• A £12,000-£15,000 accessible bathroom for an elderly adult restores privacy and dignity and can eliminate the need for daily personal care - delivering both emotional and financial benefits

In total, £1.3 million was invested in home adaptations last year. This funding came from the Better Care Fund, which supports integrated health and care services across the region.
 
Our Customer Satisfaction Surveys reveal the true impact of these adaptations - not just in numbers, but in stories of restored mobility, confidence and peace of mind.

As we continue to invest in home adaptations, we remain focused on what matters most: people. Every ramp, every lift, every widened doorway is a step toward a more inclusive, compassionate community - where everyone has the chance to live well, at home.