Aids and Adaptations

Aids and Adaptations

What are Aids and Adaptations?

We want you and your family members to be able to enjoy your home and live comfortably. If you, or a family member, find it difficult to access parts of your home, we may be able to help make things easier for you.

Your home may be able to be adapted to make it easier for you to live independently and stay in your home. An aid or adaptation could be as small as a hand rail or lever tap, or as big as a ramp to enable easier access to your property or a wet room to make it easier to shower and wash.

You can also get advice and guidance from your GP who can put in touch with an Occupational Therapist or the social care team at your local authority.

We have an  Aids and Adaptations Policy which explains how we assess requests for adaptations, the types of adaptations we may be able to support, how applications are prioritised, and the support available throughout the process. We encourage you to read the policy before applying so you understand how the process works and what to expect. Our approach is designed to be fair, consistent and transparent for all customers.

You can find out more about adaptations to your home and how to apply below. We understand that applying for an adaptation can be complicated and will guide you throughout the process. Please contact us to discuss any questions you have or support you need.

Minor Adaptations

Minor adaptations are those costing less than £1,000 and can include the fitting of:

  • grab rails or handrails.
  • specialist window openers.
  • lever taps to wash hand basins, kitchen sinks or baths.
  • door entry systems.

Major Adaptations

Major adaptations are those costing £1,000 or more. They are usually funded through a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG), which is provided by your local authority. The local authority administers DFG funding and undertake the works once they have our approval.

Major adaptations can include the fitting of:

  • a level-access shower to replace a bath
  • a permanent ramp to a doorway
  • a stair lift or through-floor lift
  • internal alterations to walls and doorways.

What To Do If You Need an Adaptation

If you’re having difficulty getting into or around your home, we may be able to help by carrying out minor adaptations, contact us to talk about options. You can also get advice and guidance from the social care team at your local authority. They have specialised occupational therapists (OT) who can advise and may also be able to provide equipment that can help you.

If the changes involves electrics or plumbing (for example, installing an electric shower) a certified contractor must be used once we have given you permission to make the improvement. Remember to always ask our permission before making any changes to your home, and please contact us if you have any questions.

Where needed, you’ll also have to make sure you have the right planning permission for any improvements, which is usually done through the planning department of your local authority.

Please note, we don’t normally allow changes to be made in communal (shared) areas.