Home adaptations are changes or pieces of equipment that make daily living and mobility tasks easier. For people with serious or life-limiting illnesses, such as those receiving palliative care, they can help maintain comfort, safety, and independence at home. These adaptations range from small, low-cost changes, like adjusting cupboard handles, to larger and more complex works, such as installing a stairlift. Even small changes can make a big difference to a person’s quality of life.
In the Republic of Ireland, there are a range of supports and grants available to help with home adaptations. These adaptations are designed to make daily living easier and safer, supporting people with disabilities, serious illness, or those receiving palliative care to remain at home for as long as possible.
The way you access help depends on whether you own or rent your home or if you are in social housing.
Read the information below to find out more
Assessment
An assessment is a conversation and review carried out by a health or social care professional (usually an Occupational Therapist) to understand your needs. They will look at how your illness affects your daily life, what difficulties you may have moving around, and what changes could help you stay safe and comfortable at home.
Recommendations
Recommendations are the suggestions given after an assessment. These may include specific mobility aids (like walking frames or wheelchairs bath aids toilet aids, bed aids and kitchen equipment and perching stools), small equipment (like grab rails), or larger home adaptations (such as ramps step realignments or stairlifts). Recommendations are tailored to your personal situation, with the goal of maintaining independence and quality of life.
Referral
A referral is when a professional formally directs you to another service or specialist who can provide the support or equipment you need. For example, you may be referred to an occupational therapist, physiotherapist, or housing adaptations team who can arrange for equipment or changes to your home.
The first step is to speak to your GP, public health nurse, or wider palliative care team. They can refer you to an Occupational Therapist (OT), who will:
If you live in social housing (local authority or approved housing body), you should contact your local authority directly. Once an Occupational Therapist has assessed your needs, the local authority will arrange your application via the Disabled Person’s Grant Scheme and fund the necessary works. To read more click here.
The adaptations covered can range from smaller changes like grab rails and ramps to larger works like installing a stairlift or adding a ground-floor bathroom or bedroom.
These works are not means-tested, and urgent cases, including those involving palliative care, are prioritised.
You may be able to apply for The Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a disability. This grant is means tested, and you can find out what you may qualify for by clicking here.
You can use this grant to make your home more accessible by:
If you privately rent your home, you must have your landlord’s written permission before any changes can be made. The tenancy must also be registered with the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB).
You may be able to get The Mobility Aids Grant which provides up to €6,000 to help cover the cost of a basic works that may make your home easier to live in. What it can cover includes:
This grant is means-tested. More information on the Mobility Aids Grant can be found on the Department of Housing by clicking here.
You don’t have to figure this out alone. Your Occupational Therapist can guide you through what you need. You can apply by contacting your local authority (find yours here). You can also contact Citizens Information and get support filling in your forms in person.
What do I do if I do not qualify for the above?
If this grant doesn’t apply to you there are other options that may be available to you. You should speak with your Occupational Therapist, Social Worker or wider Palliative Care team. You should also consider calling Citizens Information for advice.
If you do not have an Occupational Therapist, you can use this website to search for one and employ one yourself by clicking here. We recommend checking with your healthcare team to see if you avail of an Occupational Therapist for free in the first instance.
If you have to pay out of pocket for Home Adaptations recommended by your Occupational Therapist, you may be able to claim VAT back, find more information here.
Citizens Information – Citizens Information provides further information on different grants and the application process.
Gov.ie – Gov.ie provides further information on Government grants and more. You can also find your Local Authority here.
HSE – Find more information from the Health Service Executive
