Home adaptations

Adaptations are changes to your home that help you and your family live independently with privacy, confidence, and dignity.

Some examples of adaptations are:

  • Minor Adaptations – grab rails, banister rails, lever taps
  • Moderate Adaptations – blacksmith handrails, over bath showers
  • Major Adaptations – level access showers, removable ramps, overhead track ceiling hoists, stairlifts.
  • Complex Adaptations – formation of shower room/ WC on the ground floor, extensions, conversion of rooms/ properties, through floor lifts.

How adaptations are arranged for you and funded, will depend on the type of adaptation and who owns your property. 

Contents


The adaptations pathway

There are different ways in which the adaptation(s) you require can be carried out. This is informed by the type of adaptation(s) you require and the tenure of your property. Your named worker will discuss with you how your adaptation(s) will be organised.

For Minor adaptations, your named worker will organise the adaptation(s) you require by sharing the request directly with the agreed contractor (council and private sector homes) or to your Housing Association.

For Moderate adaptations, your named worker will recommend the adaptation(s) you require, and these will be considered for approval and then processed to a designated contractor or your Housing Association.

For Major adaptations, the following pathways will be followed:

For Complex adaptations, it might initially be unclear on how to meet your needs. This may be because further consideration needs to be given the technical feasibility of your home for adaptation(s), or there may be different adaptation options to consider, or because consideration may need to be given to another property for you. In these circumstances, your OT will keep you informed of who is involved and the work being undertaken. We may need to complete an Options Appraisal and your OT will lead on the completion of this, and they will liaise with relevant others who may also need to visit you in your home.

If your OT identifies that your accommodation cannot be adapted or requires numerous major or complex adaptations, they will liaise with Housing staff to explore the availability of suitable alternative housing options for you.

OT and Housing staff will meet with you and involve you in the conversations regarding the options being explored. They will consider whether there is agreement and approval for any recommended works and/ or whether a referral to the Complex Case Panel is required.

Remember, the timescales for adaptations can vary and will depend on several factors including:

  • the urgency for the adaptation as per the OT assessment
  • the number of options being considered
  • the design requirements for the adaptation
  • the availability of funding for the works
  • the need for alternative arrangements while works are being completed.

Next: Major Adaptation Pathway - Council Properties