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
T
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
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contact
one of
our Social Care and Health offices.