ALONE Welcomes Housing Adaptation Funding but Warns of Ongoing Delays and Barriers for Older People

March 11, 2026

Organisation urges simplified applications and stronger Local Authority supports

ALONE, the organisation supporting older people to age well at home, has welcomed the Government’s announcement of an increase in almost €30 million to improve homes for older people and disabled people this year, with a projected €152 million for 2026 to fund around 17,000 adaptation grants. Housing adaptations are critical to enabling older people to live safely, independently and with dignity in their own homes.

While acknowledging the increased investment, ALONE says many older people continue to face long waiting times and unnecessarily complex application procedures, delaying essential works that allow them to live safely and independently. In some cases, older people supported by ALONE have waited more than a year, and in extreme cases up to two years, for essential adaptions to be approved or completed, leaving them living in unsafe or unsuitable conditions.

Older people must currently provide medical forms, an Occupational Therapist report, contractor quotes, income documentation and Local Property Tax proof. The application form is lengthy, with unclear questions, and guidance on how to obtain the required supporting documentation is often difficult to navigate. ALONE says the process is “too burdensome” for many applicants, particularly those living alone or managing health issues.

Last year ALONE supported almost 46,500 older people across their services, with 36% reporting housing related issues. The organisation’s data shows that housing adaptions remained the most commonly reported housing concern, with demand rising year on year. ALONE is also calling for funding to be extended to include cleaning and decluttering support as almost 900 older people sought assistance with these essential tasks last year.

Seán Moynihan, CEO of ALONE, said. “The extra funding is welcome, but too many older people are waiting far too long for vital adaptations. The complexity of the application process remains a major barrier. If we want people to remain in their own homes safely, the system must be easier to navigate.”

He continued “very delay has a real human impact. Older people are living with hazards in their homes, experiencing falls, or going without basic facilities while waiting for assessments and approvals. Without timely access to housing adaptations, many people face avoidable hospitalisations or may be forced to enter nursing homes prematurely”

ALONE also highlighted the broader shortage of accessible housing across the country, noting that many older people live in homes that do not meet their mobility or health needs. The organisation is calling for: