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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.