Adaptations policy for residents who rent and information for shared owners.

We are keen to learn from research into how adapting the homes of older and disabled people can be taken forward, (http://www.jrf.org.uk/findings/housing/811-asp). We tried out a number of ideas suggested in a pilot project, "Adapting 4 Value". and have adopted a policy that incorporates the ideas that were successful.

Underlying principles

We recognise that people with impairments, including older people, may be disabled by the society in which they live. This can be through barriers in the environment, in organisational policies and practices, or in other people's attitudes.

We are committed to playing our part in overcoming these barriers, and will seek to do so in our approach to adapting people's homes.

We appreciate the importance of training in achieving this aspiration, both in terms of process and procedure, and in terms of background understanding and awareness.

Minor adaptations

We believe that wherever possible, unnecessary bureaucracy and time delay should be avoided in providing the sort of simple changes that can make people's day to day lives easier.

Our general approach to minor adaptations is:

  • to use our repairs process and budgets to facilitate tenants' access to minor adaptations
  • to act if a tenant approaches us, without requiring a full assessment from an Occupational Therapist (OT) and
  • to do this regardless of the tenant's income, without requiring a financial assessment

We define minor adaptations as:

  • being relatively inexpensive (costing less than £1000), and
  • requiring relatively little assessment and/or technical specification

Typical examples of the items included in this definition are grab rails, hand rails, lever taps and loud door bells. Examples of items excluded because of the need for more detailed assessment and/or technical specification include recycled stair-lifts and ramps.

If there are multiple requests for 'minor adaptations' we suggest a full assessment . In these instances, Occupational Therapist input will be requested via the relevant local authority.

Major adaptations

For substantial adaptations we will encourage residents to make use of the Disabled Facilities Grant system. This is administered by local authorities and involves an Occupational Therapy assessment and a 'test of resources' for the applicant. It also entails a maximum 'cap' to the mandatory grant given (currently set at £25,000).

Where the work required would exceed this limit, we will consider requests from the local authority to make up any difference. This will not be unreasonably refused, subject to the following conditions:

  • our early involvement in discussions around the proposed work and the decision to proceed with adapting the home.
  • increased capital value as a result of the proposed work and the capacity to recoup some costs via increased rental income
  • the agreement of the tenant to this route, and their consent to its financial implications in terms of a potential rent increase.

Monitoring the policy

  • for all adaptations, we will seek feedback from tenants through a satisfaction survey.
  • for major adaptations, we will visit a proportion of properties after work is complete, to check that the adaptation is meeting the need.

We will also seek to include people with impairments in the scrutiny of the policy through service review mechanisms, and will, through our internal structures, monitor progress and highlight any issues requiring attention.

Shared ownership properties

We cannot pay for adaptations to shared ownership properties, but will liase and make referrals to the local authority and social services department on your behalf. If you are unsure what to do next contact us.

Alternative accommodation

We have a number of properties that have been adapted to help frail and disabled residents. We also build all our new homes with Lifetime Homes features which may be more suitable for your needs. We also own and manage a number of sheltered housing schemes and care homes.

To contact your local authority click on the relevent link below. If you are not sure which is your local authority contact us.