Making changes to my home

Adaptations are changes to your home to make it easier and safer to get around. The Occupational therapy team will assess and recommend changes to make homes safer and more accessible.

Minor Adaptations include:

• grab rails
• handrails
• lever taps

These changes are usually quick to install and do not need significant changes to the home.

Major Adaptations involve more extensive work, such as:

• installing stairlifts
• widening doorways
• creating level access showers
• converting rooms to make them more accessible

Major adaptations often need planning permission and can be costly.

You may be able to get money from the Council towards paying for the changes to your home. This is called a Disabled Facilities Grant. You need to have an assessment first.

• eligibility: The grant is available to homeowners and tenants. It is means-tested. Your household income and savings will be assessed. You may need to pay a contribution towards the cost of the works.
• application process: To apply, you will need an assessment by an occupational therapist. If it is determined that major adaptations are necessary, they will refer you to the council’s Grants and Adaptations Team. The team will guide you through the application process.
• grant amount: The most you may get through the DFG is £30,000.

The Foundations website offers a self-assessment tool to check your eligibility.