#ForAccessibleHomes

12 September 2018

Maris Dutnall loves the freedom of her home at Regis Gate, one of Optivo’s Kent based Extra Care schemes.

“I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else!”

As a double amputee and wheelchair user, Maris (78) has been able to maintain her independence in her large, fully accessible apartment. The open plan kitchen, wide doors and wet room all mean she can move around in her wheelchair with no problems.

Level access throughout the ground floor of Regis Gate means she can get out and about without relying on support. She likes to have the freedom to go out when she wants to and regularly takes trips into town and to the local shopping centre.

Previously Maris had lived in an adapted bungalow but she enjoys the sense of community at Regis Gate. She can meet friends in the communal lounge and also has the option to have her dinner in the onsite restaurant.

“The entertainment’s great, there’s bingo, quizzes and always plenty to do.”

But for Maris her real passion is gardening and she loves the beautiful garden at Regis Gate. She’s even got her own raised flower bed that she takes care of and enjoys deciding what plants to put in it each season.

“I’m out in the garden every single day, even the winter. I have a big blanket that I wrap around myself, plus a coat underneath and a big woolly bobble hat. They laugh at me but I really do enjoy the fresh air.”

Living at Regis Gate Maris is in control and has her own freedom. She likes the peace of mind of knowing that support is on hand should she need it.

“I’ve been here just over two and a half years, and I find it lovely. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”

Optivo is #ForAccessibleHomes and we support Habinteg's national accessibility campaign running 10-14 September 2018.

Habinteg say: "There are more than 13 million disabled people in the UK, and our society is ageing rapidly, yet only 7% of our homes provide even basic accessibility features. Without a local and national commitment to the housing needs of disabled and older people, there is a real danger that new homes are even less likely to be accessible, storing up problems for the people that live in them and placing more strain on public spending over time."

Find out more here: https://www.habinteg.org.uk/foraccessiblehomes