Aids and Adaptations
What are Aids and Adaptations?
They are changes or improvements to your home to help you:
- Wash - aids such as lever taps, grab rails and shower
seats
- Get into your home – ramps and grab rails
- Use your bathroom better – a shower instead of bath
- Use your kitchen better – lower sink or work tops
- Get up stairs easily – a stair lift
- To be safer in your home - visible fire alarms for deaf
people.
Spectrum Signpost works closely with councils to provide these
aids and adaptations to support you to remain in your home. This
page explains how to apply.
How do I apply for Aids and Adaptations?
Please call your housing officer to request minor adaptations,
such as lever taps, grab rails and ramps. We have staff that will
be able to come to you to assess what you need and arrange for
the work to be done.
For major adaptations you will need to talk to your doctor or
social worker who will ask an occupation therapist to visit to
assess your needs. The occupational therapist will work with you
and us to agree suitable adaptations to your home and how they will
be paid for.
The council will usually help with the costs of major
adaptations.
Before deciding if a major adaptation can be done, the following
will be considered:
- Your wishes
- The cost and whether you are eligible for a grant
- Whether the adaptation is technically possible
- The most appropriate adaptation required
- Whether it can be achieved in a reasonable timescale
If the adaptation is impractical or difficult to need to move to
a more suitable home like a bungalow or independent living
scheme.
How are Aids and Adaptations paid for?
We set aside money each year to pay for minor aids and
adaptations. Work costing less than £1,500 is usually paid for by
Spectrum Signpost. This would include grab rails, stair rails,
lever taps and door ramps.
For work costing over £1,500, we are likely to recommend that
you apply for a disabled facilities grant from the council. If you
are on a low income the grant will cover all the costs of the
adaptations.
If you are not entitled to a grant, you may decide to pay for it
yourself. You could also ask a charity or trust to help you with
the cost.
Regardless of the funding source, all proposals for adaptations
will require our permission in writing before the work can proceed.
Please refer to our leaflet Making Improvements and Alterations
to your Home for more information.
Permission for minor adaptations that Spectrum Signpost arrange
is not needed.
How long will it take?
Most minor aids and adaptations can be fitted very quickly. Any
waiting time will depend on how necessary the work is for you. This
will be agreed with you at the time that you are assessed.
There are waiting lists for visits by occupational therapists so
it is important that you speak to your doctor or social worker
as soon as you become aware that you are having
difficulties.
Similarly, getting a grant can take time. Our own internal
processes can take a few weeks but getting a disability facilities
grant from the council can take up to 12 months.
Leaseholders and Shared Owners
We will offer advice to help you adapt your home and process
your request for permission to carry out works quickly.