Grant for disabled bathroom in Ireland

How to get a grant for a disabled bathroom here in Ireland

If you are living with a disability or limited mobility then simple daily tasks can become more challenging – including using the bathroom.

There is no reason however to struggle on using a bathroom not suited for your needs – with all the risk of injury that this brings (never mind feelings of dignity).

Accessible bathrooms have specialised features that cater to the needs of people with disabilities. However, installing a disabled bathroom can be costly, which is why many people with disabilities in Ireland seek grants to help cover the costs.

So let’s look at how to get a grant for a disabled bathroom in Ireland and provide information on available grants that can help.

Understand the Benefits of an Accessible Bathroom

Before applying for a grant, it is essential to understand the benefits of an accessible bathroom. An accessible bathroom is designed to accommodate people with disabilities, including those with mobility issues, visual impairments, and hearing impairments. The bathroom has features such as grab bars, non-slip flooring, suitable baths and showers areas and widened doorways that make it easier for people with disabilities to use the facilities independently.

An accessible bathroom can also benefit businesses and public facilities. Installing an accessible bathroom can help businesses comply with accessibility regulations, making it easier for them to accommodate customers with disabilities.

Research the right grant for a disabled bathroom

In Ireland, the main grant that is available to help cover the costs of installing an accessible bathroom is the Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability.

This grant helps cover the costs of making necessary adaptations to a home to make it more accessible for people with disabilities.

This grant can be used to install an accessible bathroom, as well as other accessibility features such as stairlifts, ramps, and widened doorways. The grant is means-tested, which means that the amount awarded will depend on the applicant’s income and financial circumstances. The grant is administered by your local authority, and applications can be made through the Housing Department.

There is also a grant scheme called the Mobility Aids Grant Scheme. This scheme helps you pay for basic work to address mobility issues you are having at home. For example, if you are having difficulty getting into the bath or shower, the grant could cover the cost of installing an accessible shower.

The scheme is for older people and people with disabilities.

The list of local authorities in Ireland can be seen here

Apply for the Grant

Once you have identified the grant that is most suitable for your needs, the next step is to apply for the grant. Applications for a grant for a disabled bathroom are made through your local authority, and you may be required to provide supporting documentation, such as medical certificates and income statements. The process may involve an Occupational Therapist and your local authority can advise directly on the administration of the scheme in your area.

You can see some other helpful information on the Citizens Advice website here.