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

Kim Smith had to move into her daughter’s home after losing all four limbs, as she could no longer get in or out of her own home in her wheelchair. She spent seven months waiting for an accessible home, living in her daughter’s living room without privacy or access to a suitable bathroom. She explains how moving into an accessible home transformed her independence and wellbeing.

Why did you need to move out of your previous home?

I had to move into my daughters as my house wasn’t accessible to get into.

What was the impact of having to wait seven months to be re-housed?

It was extremely depressing not having a bedroom, bathroom, toilet I could access and had no privacy

How did living in your daughter's living room affect your wellbeing, independence and day-to-day life?

I was feeling very suicidal, I’d just lost all 4 limbs and was confined to my daughters living/dining room 24/7

How did it affect your relationship with your daughter and family life

My daughter was amazing and took great care of me, but it was hard for her and her family too.

Were there any particular challenges caused by not having access to a shower, toilet or private space?

Mental impact was huge, I like to shower and wash my hair daily, I couldn’t even go to the toilet without ptivacy! It’s was awful 

What difference has moving into an accessible home made to your life?

It’s changed my life completely, enabling me to have so much more independence, shower daily, invite family & friends round it’s so transformative,

What adaptations or features does your current home have that make it suitable for you?

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.

What would you say to decision-makers about the importance of accessible housing?

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.

What do you think about the government's updated National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), which requires at least 40% of new homes in major developments to meet the M4(2) 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.

What are your thoughts on M4(3) wheelchair user homes and the need for local plans to include targets for delivering these homes?

I think it’s a human right they should be building them, more people are getting older or disabled requiring a wheelchair and we need these homes urgently.