Home modifications for the elderly

When your functional ability is impaired long-term or permanently, and this makes your coping at home more difficult, we assess your need for home modifications. Such modifications are, for example, removing thresholds, widening doors or attaching ramps and support rails. The purpose of home modifications is to support coping at home as independently and safely as possible. The primary aim is that you or your family members take care of the repairs and improvements to make your home meet your individual needs. Your financial situation is considered when home modifications are issued. Discretionary grants in accordance with the Social Welfare Act can be issued to a person who lives permanently in their own home.

Conditions for receiving the Service

Home modifications can be issued on a discretionary basis and within the limits of the appropriations allocated for this purpose to a person in a disadvantaged position. The grant in accordance with the Social Welfare Act for home modifications is a secondary option in relation to grants issued by ARA (the Housing Finance and Development Centre of Finland) and the State Treasury. The modifications must constitute necessary support for coping at home, and you are not able to have modifications done by yourself or with help from others. The need for modifications is assessed based on a service needs assessment. In the service needs assessment, your situation is assessed comprehensively considering your situation in life and your financial situation. The grant for home modifications is not issued for basic renovations as such, or if you are already applying for a place in sheltered housing. Modifications are not issued for a secondary residence. Reasonable expenses caused by home modifications can be compensated, if the person needs them due to a disability or illness in order to be able to cope with the ordinary functions in life.

The service is partly subject to a charge.