If you have a severe disability, you may feel that you need some adaptations or alterations to your home. In this case, an occupational therapist would need to visit you to carry out a special
assessment of your needs, to determine what would be best for you. There could be minor or major alterations.
Examples of minor adaptations are the provision of grabrails next to your bath or toilet, or a handrail which can be inside or outside of your home next to steps or stairs. A major adaptation could involve structural alterations to your home, for example, the widening of a door for wheelchair access. Adaptations will only be carried out if they will improve your safety and independence, and meet your long-term needs.
Once you have been assessed, it depends upon the ownership of your home and type of adaptation as to how, when and who carries out the work
Council property (minor adaptations)
The Housing department of your local district council will be responsible for carrying out the work required; based upon the recommendations of the Occupational Therapist and we will contact them on your behalf.
Council property (major adaptations)
The Housing department will again be responsible for carrying out this work based upon recommendations of the care manager (Occupational Therapy). However, this process is slightly different. They will need to estimate how much the work will cost and then gain approval from one of their committees. Once they have approval, they will carry out the work as soon as the funds are available. In some circumstances, they may feel it is more appropriate to offer alternative housing.
Privately owned property
We will help you with minor adaptations but if you have been assessed as needing major adaptations you will need to apply for a Disabled facilities grant. This is dealt with by your local District Council and they will carry out a financial assessment to determine how much grant they could give you towards the cost of work.
For more information please contact one of our Social Care and Health offices.
