Minor adaptations
Minor adaptations are small changes to your home. These can be arranged without referrals from an occupational therapist if you are able to tell us where you are having difficulty and what can be done to help.
These include things such as:
- Grab rails to provide support where you may currently feel unsteady (e.g. when stepping into the bath, getting up from the toilet, or stepping into the front/back door)
- An additional handrail for internal flight of stairs
- Keysafe to allow carers/support network to access the property without you answering the door
- Fixed fold-down shower seat in an existing shower area
Major adaptations
For major changes in your home, you’ll need to contact your local authority and ask for an assessment by an occupational therapist. They will visit your home to see what changes are needed. This process may vary depending on where you live.
Some examples of major adaptations are:
- Stairlifts
- Access ramps
- Level access showers
- Wheelchair accessible kitchens.
Local authorities
You will need to contact your local authority to get an occupational therapist referral. Your council will arrange for an occupational therapist to visit you at home and identify any adaptations you may need. The occupational therapist will then send their assessment to us so we can plan the adaptation works. We’ll keep you updated throughout and will arrange a time to carry out the work with you.
For major adaptations, we’ll work closely with your occupational therapist and the local council, and discuss any funding arrangements with them.
Cardiff Council has a different process, so if you live in Cardiff and need an adaptation in your home, please contact us.
Considering a move
Sometimes it may not be feasible to adapt your current home. In this case we can explore alternative options for moving you to a home that better meets your needs.
We want to be helpful, flexible, and make sure your needs are listened to. We’ll only explore this option if it’s in your best interest, and we’ll support you through the process.
Waiting times will change depending on your local authority.
An occupational therapist (from your council) will recommend what you need. We’ll then work with them to agree what can be provided.
Timescales vary depending on what work is needed. We’ll let you know once your request has been looked at.
If your needs are urgent, please let us know straight away. We’ll prioritise your request and work with your occupational therapist / hospital discharge department to provide support as quickly as possible.
No, adaptations are funded through grants to help you stay in your home long term, so you won’t have to pay for reasonable adjustments.
We’ll agree a suitable time with you, explain what will happen, and keep disruption to a minimum.
Was this page useful?