Adapting homes
What is an adaptation?
An adaptation is an alteration to your home, which will provide facilities that help you live as independently as possible. An Occupational Therapist will visit you at home to assess your needs. Recommendations for adaptations may be made to help with the following problems:
- difficulty getting in or out of your home
- difficulty moving around your home, such as getting to your lounge, bedroom or toilet
- difficulty using your bathroom
- difficulty getting around your home to care for another person.
There are 2 types of adaptations:
Minor adaptations
A minor adaptation may be a small grab rail, step widening or additional banister rails. There will be no charge for this work. If you live in rented accommodation or housing associations then the owner of the property will need to give consent to the work being carried out.
If you live in a Council property and the work is carried out by Barnet Homes, there will also be no cost to yourself. Housing Associations will often carry out minor adaptations themselves.
Major adaptations
A major adaptation may be a ramp, wider doorways, or a stair lift. Following an assessment of your needs, if a major adaptation is required, recommendations will be made by the Occupational Therapy team.
It is not always possible to adapt a property to meet individual needs. In this situation you will be advised of suitable alternatives. One option may be to move to a more suitable property.
Any recommendations for adaptations made by a member of the Occupational Therapy Team will be discussed and agreed with the individual concerned together with any other relevant professional and/or family member.
Details of the adaptations will be confirmed in writing and you will be asked to sign the Occupational Specifications detailing the proposed works and to confirm your consent and approval. An Occupational Therapist will assist you with the process which includes looking at any plans to ensure that they meet your specific requirements.
You will also be advised on appropriate agencies and professionals who can assist you with this process.
Funding major adaptations
Adaptations can be paid for in a number of ways depending on who owns the property you live in.
- If you own your own property or are a private tenant -you may qualify for a Disability Facilities Grant to fund the work.
- If you live in council properties - the council will arrange for the adaptations. You do not need to be financially assessed.
- If you live in a Housing Association property - the Housing Association will pay for the adaptation or they can apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant.
Barnet Care and Repair Agency can offer assistance in applying for available grants or other funding to pay for the work, including loans or equity release.
Housing: adapting your home to stay independent
This guide, published by Counsel and Care, (external link) explains what a Disabled Facilities Grant is, what the eligibility criteria are, how to apply for one, and what will happen after an application has been made.
Housing: adapting your home to stay independent 
(PDF: 239KB) (external link)
Email this pageLast modified by: Vanita Lala on 27/06/2011