Kim Smith: How an accessible home restored her independence | #ForAccessibleHomes News

Habinteg tenant and sepsis awareness campaigner Kim Smith, moved into her wheelchair accessible home in Milton Keynes in March 2025. She faced many challenges in finding an accessible home, but says her new home has brought her independence, happiness, and peace of mind.

 

“When I initially came out of hospital, I was using a wheelchair as I’d had to have all four of my limbs amputated due to sepsis.

I wouldn’t have been able to get through either the front or back door of my house, so while I was still in hospital my husband and I decided to sell it.

My biggest concerns while I was in hospital were about where I was going to live and how I’d manage when I was eventually discharged from hospital. How would I cope with daily life after losing all four limbs?

My husband and I had to move into my daughter’s home when I left hospital. He stayed upstairs in a bedroom, while I lived in the living/dining room because the rest of the house wasn’t accessible to me. It was extremely depressing not having a bedroom, bathroom, toilet I could access.

I had no privacy. I’d just lost all four limbs and was confined to my daughters living/dining room 24/7 - I was feeling suicidal. My daughter was amazing and took great care of me, but it was hard for her and her family too.

The mental impact of not being able to access a shower, toilet or private space was huge. I like to shower and wash my hair daily; I couldn’t even go to the toilet without privacy. It was awful. 

Moving into an accessible home has changed my life completely. I have so much more independence, I can shower daily, invite family and friends round it’s been so transformative.

My home has wider doors and larger rooms big enough for my wheelchair to turn with furniture in the room & a wet room, which have made so much difference to me.

It’s extremely important for everyone to be able to have independence to move around their home and be safe, it’s a human right.

While the government's updated National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) says that at least 40% of new homes in major developments should be accessible and adaptable standard, personally I don’t think 90% would be enough. There’s such a huge lack of accessible homes we need 100% homes built to this standard as a minimum.”