Renovation subsidies and support for accessible housing to help you live at home

For many of us, our own home is the place that matters most. But for older adults and people with disabilities, living at home can become difficult without adaptations. If your home is an easy and safe place to live in, you can stay there much longer and comfortably. If daily life at home feels challenging because of age or functional limitations, help is available.

VARKE (the Centre for State-Subsidised Housing Construction) grants renovation subsidies that can improve home safety and accessibility. This subsidy is intended for families or households that include at least one person aged 65 or over, or a person with functional limitations.

To receive the subsidy, the renovations must be necessary or improve mobility and movement at home. Household income and assets are also part of the criteria when determining eligibility for the subsidy.

You can apply for a subsidy, for example, for:

• installing grab rails and making bathroom adaptations
• improving accessibility by widening doorways and removing thresholds

It’s a good idea to apply early, because you cannot start renovation work before a subsidy decision has been made. Applications are submitted through VARKE’s online service portal. VARKE’s renovation subsidy team can help with questions about the subsidy and encourages applicants to get in touch sooner rather than later.

More information and instructionsa VARKEn korjausavustuksista ja ohjeet(external link).

People aged 65 and over can also request a free assessment of renovation and adaptation needs, as well as get help with applying for renovation subsidies from Vanhustyön keskusliitto (Association for the Welfare of Older Adults). Please note, however, that the subsidy itself is granted by VARKE.E.

The service offered by the Wellbeing Services County is called 'Support for accessible housing'. It is intended for people with disabilities who need home modifications in order to live independently in their own home.

You may be eligible for this service, if, without it, you cannot manage everyday activities related to living at home. Reasonable support may be granted, for example, for:

• home modifications
• removing barriers in the immediate surroundings of your home
• assistive devices and technical solutions that support accessible living
• planning for accessible living at home.

Learn more at: Support for accessible housing.

If you are unsure which type of support is right for you, contact our social services guidance