Our aim is to help you live independently by making the necessary modifications in your home and by installing equipment there to help you in your day-to-day life.
Apartment modifications refer to things such as removing obstacles by lowering thresholds, widening doorways or making ramps, for instance.
In addition to making modifications, we can install equipment such as lifting devices, a stairlift, various alarm systems or an electronic door opening system in your home.
In order to assess your need for apartment modifications, we require a statement from an occupational therapist or physiotherapist. For this reason, one such professional often accompanies a social worker and a technical property manager of the City of Helsinki on home visits. During a home visit, we will talk with you about the modifications you require and what is the best way to implement them. The social worker will decide which modifications will be compensated for.
In order to assess the need to install equipment in your home, we require a medical certificate and a statement by an occupational therapist or physiotherapist. Once the service is granted, a master builder of the City of Helsinki will draw up the implementation plan and obtain any permits required. If you have a hearing impairment, a rehabilitation instructor of the Hospital District of Helsinki and Uusimaa (HUS) will draw up the plan.
We will only make modifications and install equipment in your permanent residence, and the costs must be reasonable. We do not compensate for costs related to living comfort or normal equipment.
You can apply for the service by filling in the disability service application form and delivering it to the service point of the Social Work for People with Disabilities Unit in your area.
How to apply for support
Apply for support by filling in the disability service application form (section ‘Support for accessible housing’). Attach a statement by an occupational therapist or physiotherapist, as well as a doctor’s medical opinion, if required, to your application.
Deliver the application form and its attachments to the service point of the Social Work for People with Disabilities Unit in your area either by post or via secure email.
Read the instructions on how to apply for disability services