8 in 10 people with arthritis are missing out on free home adaptations

People with arthritis are missing out on home adaptations they are entitled to from local authorities, putting their safety at risk and placing an unnecessary financial burden on families, a leading charity has warned.

Arthritis Research UK says eight in 10 people with arthritis, who are eligible for support, are missing out on life-changing equipment.

Morgan Vine, campaigns manager at Arthritis Research UK, said: “Aids and adaptations are at the very front line of UK’s social care system and people with arthritis tell us how life-changing they can be. It’s not fair that of the 17 million people with arthritis and related conditions, so few are aware that this support is out there and even fewer have been assessed and provided with the equipment they need and should be getting for free.”

“Adapting someone’s bathroom so that they can get up from the toilet can lead to fewer slips and falls, potentially avoiding emergency care. Providing aids for dressing or cooking can help someone stay independent and out of the formal social care system for longer.”

She added: “We need both local authorities and central government to work with us to make sure their legal obligations are met – to improve people’s lives and to ease the pressure on our already strained social care system.”

Around 17 million people in the UK are living with arthritis and related conditions.

Although local authorities have a duty to make aids and adaptations available, more than half of the charity’s survey respondents are buying equipment themselves, with the average cost of an aid £200.

This equipment can improve quality of life and independence, but could also have wider benefits, such as reducing the strain on social care services or A&Es.

The charity argues that too many people are ‘unaware of their rights’ because councils are not providing adequate information.

After talking to Arthritis Research UK, Christine Walker was ‘shocked’ to discover she could be entitled to equipment from her local authority.

She said: “I’ve had osteoarthritis since the age of 19 and took the attitude that it wouldn’t beat me. Just making a cup of tea and other tasks around the kitchen can be complicated but aids and gadgets have revolutionised my life. The cost has really mounted up over the years – the adaptations in my bathroom alone came to £3,000, but it was necessary, so we just had to get on with it.”

“I know councils are under pressure, but these aids and adaptations are invaluable, helping people like me manage my condition at home and not rely on services provided by the council or the NHS.”

Arthritis Research UK is calling on local authorities to ensure people with arthritis and related conditions are assessed and, if eligible, provided aids and minor adaptations.

For more information visit: www.arthritisresearchuk.org