Type of adaptations

What happens next depends on which type of adaptations you will need and how much they will cost.

Minor adaptations

The occupational therapist may assess that the work needed is minor. These are small changes made to your home and usually cost less than £1,000.

This could include items such as:

• grab rails
• bannister rail
• adding half-steps
• wall-mounted shower seat

We will pay for adaptations that are under £1,000.

Major adaptations

These are significant changes to your home that cost more than £1,000.

If the Occupational Therapist assesses that major adaptations are needed, they will make a referral to the Housing Adaptation Team for a Disabled Facilities Grant.

This grant helps towards the costs of these changes to your home so you can manage everyday tasks.

Major adaptations could include:

• widening doors and installing ramps
• improving access to essential rooms and facilities - this could be a stairlift or a downstairs bathroom
• providing a heating system suitable for your needs
• adapting heating or lighting controls to make them easier to use

Freestanding specialist equipment

An occupational therapist may decide you need free standing specialist equipment such as a:

• medical bed
• commode
• toilet frame
• seating chair
• moving and handling equipment i.e. hoist and sling
• bath seat

Freestanding equipment is available for loan. You do not need a Disabled Facilities Grant for this.

We will arrange the loan of the equipment to meet your needs and explain to you:

• how this will be funded
• how the equipment will be reviewed, to ensure it is still safe to use