Home alterations for the elderly

Home alterations can make it easier for an elderly person to live independently at home. Possible alterations include removing door sills, building railings and wheel walker or wheelchair ramps and installing support railings.

As a rule, the costs of home alterations are paid by the tenant or owner, but the Housing Finance and Development Centre of Finland (ARA) awards grants to individuals to use on repair costs of housing for the elderly and disabled on the basis of a social and economic need assessment.

Housing companies can also apply for ARA grants for the construction of retrofitted elevators and for improving accessibility.

Applications can be submitted at any time. Grant applications and the payment of grants are handled by ARA. The measure must be started after the grant is awarded, or the appropriateness of the measure must have been approved in advance.