Accommodation

Living solutions are individual, and are influenced by each persons own type of epilepsy, needs and living situation. Many can live alone regardless of epilepsy, but others with severe epilepsy require the support of others, and/or different medical equipment to cope. Some may need more help and supervision (service housing).

You can improve the safety of your home

Consider the safety risks regarding your epilepsy with your closed ones and professionals. You can think about the following questions:

How often do I have seizures, what kind of seizures are they?
What dangers can seizures cause?
Can I prepare for risks?
What actions can I take to ensure I’m prepared?

Mostly, these matters are related to incidents regarding an epileptic seizure and recovering from them when functionality has not yet reverted. You might want to consider the materials and furniture in your home, and how these are located. Are there any sharp corners and breakable items? Is there a risk to get burnt by boiling water or a dish? You can have home equipment that improves your safety, such as a thermostatic tap and an automatic tap, timed electrical outlets (for example to an iron) and a timed stove.

Home modifications for persons with disabilities

Sometimes modifications are needed in the home to improve safety and support independent living.

A wellbeing services county may reimburse reasonable costs of home modifications when these are necessary because of a person’s disability or illness and enable the person to manage daily life as independently as possible. A wellbeing services county may also provide or reimburse equipment and technical solutions that support independent living, such as alarm devices and other assistive technologies.

Eligibility for disability services is not determined by diagnosis alone. Services under the Disability Services Act are intended for persons who, due to a long-term physical, cognitive, psychological, social or sensory impairment resulting from a disability or illness, necessarily require assistance or support in their daily lives.

Home modifications may include, for example, removing thresholds, installing grab rails, or adapting toilet and bathroom facilities to improve accessibility and safety.

You can apply for support through the wellbeing services county’s disability services. It is advisable to attach a recent medical statement or other documentation describing your functional capacity and need for support. You may also include assessments from rehabilitation professionals, therapists or other healthcare professionals regarding the need for the modifications.

If you are not eligible for home modifications under the Disability Services Act, you may wish to explore other publicly funded grants for housing repairs and modifications. Eligibility for such grants may depend on income and assets.

Help and support in daily life

Epilepsy often involves symptoms that are difficult to predict. Many people manage independently between seizures, but assistance and supervision may be needed during or after a seizure.

Support needs may also arise from factors other than seizures themselves. For example, reduced cognitive functioning, memory difficulties, mobility limitations or medication side effects may make independent living more challenging.

The wellbeing services county’s social services and disability services can provide support if you need assistance because of an illness or disability. Services may include:

Home care and home services if you need support with daily activities and personal tasks (subject to client fees in accordance with applicable legislation).
Personal assistance for persons with disabilities who repeatedly and necessarily require another person’s help in daily life, work, studies, leisure activities or social participation.
Informal care support for a family member or other close person providing care and assistance.
Housing support and other housing-related services based on individual needs.

Housing support

Housing support and housing-related services may be arranged under either the Social Welfare Act or the Disability Services Act. The legislation applied and the way services are organised depend on the individual’s circumstances and support needs.

Support may be arranged in different ways, for example:

Supported housing, if you are largely independent but need guidance and support in some aspects of daily life.
Communal housing, if your functional capacity is reduced and you can no longer manage safely in your current living situation.
24-hour service housing, if you require extensive assistance, care and supervision around the clock.
Housing support under the Disability Services Act, if your disability results in an ongoing need for support and assistance in daily life. Housing support can be provided in an owner-occupied home, rental home or another home chosen by the individual.

House allowance supports low-income housing

If you have low income, you might be supported financially by Kela. Family size and income influences on the allowance, which is paid monthly, and the decision evaluated yearly.