Introduction
When daily life at home becomes difficult, the Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) can help with adaptations like stairlifts, wet rooms, or ramps. But sometimes, adapting your home isn’t the best option.
In certain cases, moving home may be simpler, cheaper, or better for your long-term needs.
This guide will help you weigh up the choices – and we’ll show you a tool that makes the decision easier.
When adapting your home makes sense
Adaptations can be life-changing, and in many cases, staying put is the right call. It may be best to adapt if:
- You have strong ties to your community.
- Your home has space for the changes you need.
- The adaptations will meet your long-term needs.
- The work is affordable within the DFG and your contribution.
Examples:
- Converting a downstairs room into a bedroom and bathroom.
- Adding a stairlift or through-floor lift.
- Installing a level-access shower.
When moving might be the better option
Sometimes the best adaptation is a new home. Moving may be the right choice if:
- Your current home is too small or unsuitable for the changes you need.
- The cost of adapting is very high compared to buying or renting elsewhere.
- You want to be closer to family, friends, or support services.
- You’re living in a property that can’t be made fully accessible (e.g. narrow doorways, steep access).
Some councils will help with the costs of moving under their Housing Assistance Policy, such as:
- Covering removal costs.
- Helping to fund adaptations in your new home.
How to make the decision
It’s not easy to decide whether to stay or move. Things to think about include:
- Costs – adaptation costs vs moving costs.
- Future needs – will the adaptation last as your health changes?
- Location – would moving bring you closer to family, transport, or shops?
- Emotional ties – how much do you value staying in your current community?
Try our Should I Stay Tool
To help you think through these options, we’ve developed a free online tool:
Should I Stay Tool
It guides you through key questions and helps you weigh up the pros and cons of adapting your current home versus moving to a new one.
Summary
When your home no longer works for you, you have two main options: adapt or move.
- Adaptations are often the quickest way to stay independent.
- Moving can make more sense if your home can’t be adapted or costs are too high.
- Councils may help with moving costs under their Housing Assistance Policy.
- Use our Should I Stay Tool to help you make the right choice.
