‘Horrific’ waits for home aids pushing elderly into care

THOUSANDS of vulnerable pensioners are at risk of being shunted into care against their wishes because of "shocking" council home improvement delays, a report says.

- Giles Sheldrick

An audit shows two-thirds of local authorities took longer than the recommended six months to deliver adaptations via a fund meant to help older people stay at home.

The Disabled Facilities Grant is supposed to distribute cash so they can live independently, giving them the autonomy and confidence to lead full and active lives.

But the scandal has seen many older and disabled people face unacceptable waits for home aids and adaptations.

Vision

One of the longest was more than two years, a probe by Age UK found. The charity's director, Caroline Abrahams, said: "Our report highlights the horrific delays older people often face when trying to get the adaptations they need through this funding.