MND Patients Die Waiting Over a Year for Home Grants

Crucial home adaptation grants for individuals with motor neurone disease (MND) are experiencing extensive delays, with applications in England taking an average of 375 days to complete. This prolonged waiting period is particularly devastating given that a third of MND patients die within a year of diagnosis, often spending their final months fighting for essential support. Many are left with unsafe and unsuitable living conditions, forcing them to rely on personal savings for necessary modifications like accessible bathrooms or stairlifts.

The MND Association highlights that for individuals whose condition deteriorates rapidly, waiting over a year for adaptations is akin to being denied them entirely. Some patients have resorted to washing in kitchen sinks or sleeping on sofas due to the inability to access their homes safely. The charity is advocating for a fast-track process for progressive conditions and a waiver of means tests for adaptations, emphasizing that individuals with terminal illnesses require immediate, prioritized support.

In response to these critical issues, the government has announced a £711 million investment in the Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) scheme. This funding aims to reduce waiting lists, facilitate thousands of additional home adaptations, and ensure that seriously ill individuals receive the necessary modifications promptly. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government acknowledges the devastating impact of these waits and expects local authorities to expedite the process.