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Where could I find long term adapted accomdation?

  • 11-08-2012 1:42pm
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 762 ✭✭✭


    I'm looking for somewhere long term but can't find anywhere already adapted, it looks like the only option is to do somewhere up myself.
    The IWA have no lists or anything. I'm on the council list for a few years but there is pretty much zero chance of hearing from them. Daft is no help either and google just gives a list of holiday places.
    I'm doing a open university degree so location and sharing/alone not important.
    Anyone got any experience with this?


Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,459 ✭✭✭Chucken


    You could have a look at these http://claretipp.ie/398801/Lakes_Retirement_Village_Killaloe_Co_Clare__Killaloe_Clare

    I'm not sure if theres any available at the moment but no harm in asking :)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 762 ✭✭✭Duff Man Jr.


    Thanks, never thought of that route.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,644 ✭✭✭SerialComplaint


    It could be quite difficult to find something suitable. Having said that, house-hunting is generally very difficult for everyone. It is hard to find a property to meet all needs, regardless of ability or disability. Modern houses are more likely to benefit from improvements in the Part M building regs (2000, and later in 2010), so you might like to focus on these. Make a clear list of what you need (e.g. level entry, parking space, downstairs loo size) etc, and get in touch with sellers and agents to see if they can help. There is a checklist for accessible properties somewhere on myhome.ie that might be helpful.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 7 NCBICFIT


    Hi Duff Man Jr., I'm presuming since you mention IWA, that it's wheelchair accessible accommodation you're looking for.

    It would be worth trying a few different avenues. Firstly, I would suggest you identify as many estate agents in your area as possible and as SerialComplaint mentioned provide them with a check list of your specific requirements, have them look for you.

    At the same time, go to all of the different websites (Daft, MyHome, Gumtree etc.) and in the advanced search options there is usually an option to type in a keyword. Try "wheelchair" as a keyword, then do another search with "accessible" as the keyword. Remember you're relying on the landlord's wording in the advertisement, so as many different searches as possible will make sure you don't miss out on something.

    I would also suggest ringing IWA directly (if you haven't already done so) and asking their advice. Dolores Murphy is their Housing Officer, and she may advise on someone in your local area.

    Best of luck.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,647 ✭✭✭✭Mental Mickey


    NCBICFIT wrote: »
    Hi Duff Man Jr., I'm presuming since you mention IWA, that it's wheelchair accessible accommodation you're looking for.

    It would be worth trying a few different avenues. Firstly, I would suggest you identify as many estate agents in your area as possible and as SerialComplaint mentioned provide them with a check list of your specific requirements, have them look for you.

    At the same time, go to all of the different websites (Daft, MyHome, Gumtree etc.) and in the advanced search options there is usually an option to type in a keyword. Try "wheelchair" as a keyword, then do another search with "accessible" as the keyword. Remember you're relying on the landlord's wording in the advertisement, so as many different searches as possible will make sure you don't miss out on something.

    I would also suggest ringing IWA directly (if you haven't already done so) and asking their advice. Dolores Murphy is their Housing Officer, and she may advise on someone in your local area.

    Best of luck.

    The only way to do this(imo), is to purchase an existing dwelling and get it adapted for your needs. You can do this by applying to your local council for the Disabled Persons Grant.


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 7 NCBICFIT


    I just did a quick search there. I have no idea where you are looking, if you want a house or an apartment, or if you want to share or have a place on your own. Also, bear in mind that just because it's advertised as wheelchair accessible doesn't necessarily mean it is. (Some people's idea of wheelchair accessible would make the mind boggle.)

    Some examples follow:

    In myhome.ie I selected 'To Rent' in Limerick (as your location is listed as there). In Advanced Search I typed in the keyword 'wheelchair' and the following came up:

    http://www.myhome.ie/rentals/brochure/villa-adare-manor-adare-co-limerick/1801989

    Ok this is VERY expensive but my point is that they do exist.

    On let.ie in Limerick I see:

    http://www.let.ie/property-to-rent/Askeaton-Co-Limerick/1214620

    http://www.let.ie/property-to-rent/Harveys-Quay-Limerick-City-Co-Limerick/1148154

    http://www.let.ie/property-to-rent/The-Strand-Limerick-City-Limerick-City-Co-Limerick/1247783

    And more.

    On Daft using advanced search and selecting the 'Wheelchair Access' tick box:

    http://www.daft.ie/searchrental.daft?id=1241408
    http://www.daft.ie/searchrental.daft?id=1251265

    etc.

    These are just random examples.

    Unfortunately with online agents you rely on landlords or agents using the word wheelchair or accessible in their ad, but they do exist. I know a good few wheelchairs users who have rented.

    If you want more help, PM me and I'd be happy to try to help you with the online search.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,647 ✭✭✭✭Mental Mickey


    NCBICFIT wrote: »
    I just did a quick search there. I have no idea where you are looking, if you want a house or an apartment, or if you want to share or have a place on your own. Also, bear in mind that just because it's advertised as wheelchair accessible doesn't necessarily mean it is. (Some people's idea of wheelchair accessible would make the mind boggle.)
    Some examples follow:

    In myhome.ie I selected 'To Rent' in Limerick (as your location is listed as there). In Advanced Search I typed in the keyword 'wheelchair' and the following came up:

    http://www.myhome.ie/rentals/brochure/villa-adare-manor-adare-co-limerick/1801989

    Ok this is VERY expensive but my point is that they do exist.

    On let.ie in Limerick I see:

    http://www.let.ie/property-to-rent/Askeaton-Co-Limerick/1214620

    http://www.let.ie/property-to-rent/Harveys-Quay-Limerick-City-Co-Limerick/1148154

    http://www.let.ie/property-to-rent/The-Strand-Limerick-City-Limerick-City-Co-Limerick/1247783

    And more.

    On Daft using advanced search and selecting the 'Wheelchair Access' tick box:

    http://www.daft.ie/searchrental.daft?id=1241408
    http://www.daft.ie/searchrental.daft?id=1251265

    etc.

    These are just random examples.

    Unfortunately with online agents you rely on landlords or agents using the word wheelchair or accessible in their ad, but they do exist. I know a good few wheelchairs users who have rented.

    If you want more help, PM me and I'd be happy to try to help you with the online search.

    Wouldn't this be because of the individual's needs.....?


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 7 NCBICFIT


    I mean, for example, restaurants that are advertised as wheelchair accessible and when you arrive they have a large step at the entrance and 20 steps down to their loo! Which has happened me while accompanying a friend.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,644 ✭✭✭SerialComplaint


    The only way to do this(imo), is to purchase an existing dwelling and get it adapted for your needs. You can do this by applying to your local council for the Disabled Persons Grant.

    It's now called the Housing Adaptation Grant. Many councils reach their budget early in the year, and only release funds to priority cases. Some councils are talking about cancelling these grants in response to their recent cuts in funding.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 762 ✭✭✭Duff Man Jr.


    NCBICFIT wrote: »
    I just did a quick search there. I have no idea where you are looking, if you want a house or an apartment, or if you want to share or have a place on your own. Also, bear in mind that just because it's advertised as wheelchair accessible doesn't necessarily mean it is. (Some people's idea of wheelchair accessible would make the mind boggle.)

    Some examples follow:

    In myhome.ie I selected 'To Rent' in Limerick (as your location is listed as there). In Advanced Search I typed in the keyword 'wheelchair' and the following came up:

    http://www.myhome.ie/rentals/brochure/villa-adare-manor-adare-co-limerick/1801989

    Ok this is VERY expensive but my point is that they do exist.

    On let.ie in Limerick I see:

    http://www.let.ie/property-to-rent/Askeaton-Co-Limerick/1214620

    http://www.let.ie/property-to-rent/Harveys-Quay-Limerick-City-Co-Limerick/1148154

    http://www.let.ie/property-to-rent/The-Strand-Limerick-City-Limerick-City-Co-Limerick/1247783

    And more.

    On Daft using advanced search and selecting the 'Wheelchair Access' tick box:

    http://www.daft.ie/searchrental.daft?id=1241408
    http://www.daft.ie/searchrental.daft?id=1251265

    etc.

    These are just random examples.

    Unfortunately with online agents you rely on landlords or agents using the word wheelchair or accessible in their ad, but they do exist. I know a good few wheelchairs users who have rented.

    If you want more help, PM me and I'd be happy to try to help you with the online search.

    Thanks, I think the best way is as Mickey said, doing a place up myself. These are fine for access but not for living re. bathrooms etc.
    Thanks for the offer.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,647 ✭✭✭✭Mental Mickey


    Thanks, I think the best way is as Mickey said, doing a place up myself. These are fine for access but not for living re. bathrooms etc.
    Thanks for the offer.

    You'd be better off buying an existing dwelling that you deem suitable, and getting it refurbished for your needs.

    Finding a place is the big problem though. :rolleyes:


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 531 ✭✭✭mylittlepony




  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 241 ✭✭Equality


    I'm going to assume that buying is out of the question, as it is too expensive.

    That means you need to get back on to your local authority,as they are the people who allocate housing.

    First of all, you need to find out how many people in need of wheelchair accessible housing are on their list, and how many people who are not disabled are on their lists. Then find out how many housing units they allocate each year, and how many of these are suitable for wheelchair users. Compare the percentages, to see if wheelchair users are discriminated against. Check all available facts and figures- they will prioritise your housing need if they comprehend how important it is to you that you receive appropriate housing.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,647 ✭✭✭✭Mental Mickey


    Equality wrote: »
    I'm going to assume that buying is out of the question, as it is too expensive.

    That means you need to get back on to your local authority,as they are the people who allocate housing.

    First of all, you need to find out how many people in need of wheelchair accessible housing are on their list, and how many people who are not disabled are on their lists. Then find out how many housing units they allocate each year, and how many of these are suitable for wheelchair users. Compare the percentages, to see if wheelchair users are discriminated against. Check all available facts and figures- they will prioritise your housing need if they comprehend how important it is to you that you receive appropriate housing.

    Will they provide this info though?? I tend to get fobbed off if I ask these kind of questions.........


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 241 ✭✭Equality


    You can ask, in writing, by e-mail. They may refuse, or they may say that the information will cost X amount.

    However, if you are a good researcher, you can get the information yourself.

    I'm not sure where you live, Dublin has a large population so this is more difficult if you live there.

    I live in rural Ireland, and the council records tell you who got a council house/assistance with purchasing a private house. The records literally tell you that no 16 O'Connell St was purchased by the Council, and given to Mrs Murphy.

    These are public documents, so if you ask the Council will provide you with a nice wheelchair accessible room to allow you to read these documents yourself. Either that or direct you to where you can find the information online. It is a lot of work if you do it yourself, but you soon find out if your local council is actually providing wheelchair accessible accommodation.

    Mine is, they have bought apartments/houses that are wheelchair accessible. Apartment is for a single person, the houses for families.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 241 ✭✭Equality


    PS You might be very surprised at the level of information that is available as a matter of public record, the thing is that most people don't know it is available. Most people also don't have the time to research it. I do have the time at present, so I am currently researching council decisions/state decisions for a charity I volunteer with.

    It is quite interesting, particularly when you do it on a local basis in rural Ireland. You know all the characters, so you have a very good idea why X council has started to provide housing for single people with disabilities.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 241 ✭✭Equality


    The Dublin City Council minutes are on their website.

    A random read will tell you that you can get a councillor to ask the city manager to arrange a meeting betwen you and the housing officer.

    You can get a councillor to ask the number of points you have on the housing list.

    The councillor can also ask how many people are on the housing list for a particular area, and to break this down by reference to family size and length of time on the housing waiting list. They may be able to break down by reference to disability also, this is a more unusual question.

    The councillor can also ask about housing for people with disabilities, and how many such houses have been provided.

    This is all free, if you can get a councillor to ask the questions.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,647 ✭✭✭✭Mental Mickey


    Equality wrote: »
    The Dublin City Council minutes are on their website.

    A random read will tell you that you can get a councillor to ask the city manager to arrange a meeting betwen you and the housing officer.

    You can get a councillor to ask the number of points you have on the housing list.

    The councillor can also ask how many people are on the housing list for a particular area, and to break this down by reference to family size and length of time on the housing waiting list. They may be able to break down by reference to disability also, this is a more unusual question.

    The councillor can also ask about housing for people with disabilities, and how many such houses have been provided.

    This is all free, if you can get a councillor to ask the questions.

    I've been told that I can't even go on the housing list as I earn x too much, and have x amount of savings.


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