After exploring all the other options, it might be decided that major adaptation is the best way to help support you to live independently. This might be putting in a level access shower or perhaps building a single story extension.
There are lots of ways to fund major adaptations and the DAHS service will help advise you on your options.
It might be that you are able to fund the work (or some of it) yourself. If you are a Housing Association tenant, it might be that your landlord will fund the adaptation for you. DAHS can help you access Home Improvement loans which have very low interest rates to support funding major adaptations to your home. They can also advise you on different equity release solutions to fund the adaptations.
It could be that you are eligible for charitable funding or meet the Council eligibility criteria for a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG). This is means tested (unless it is a child’s case) and is measured against the legal requirements for a DFG.
If your home needs a major or complex adaptation and you are able to access funding, you need to agree that it is your intention to remain in that home for at least 5 years. Some of the things Major adaptations are available for include:
- Making it easier to get in and out of the home e.g. ramps.
- Making it easier to get around the home and access to their bedroom, bathroom, living room and kitchen e.g. door widening or stairlift.
- Help the disabled person to care for another person.
- Making it easier to use the toilet, bath or shower e.g. installing a shower rather than a bath.
- To provide safe access to a part of an outdoor space e.g. garden.
- Making it safer to prepare and cook food e.g. lower food preparation surface.
- Improving or providing a suitable heating system.
- Helping to control lighting, power or heating e.g. by relocating controls.
The major adaptations process begins with an assessment either by an Occupational Therapist or by one of Millbrook Healthcare’s Trusted Assessors. They will work with you to assess what would best help you. Sometimes they may recommend equipment rather than an adaptation as this may suit your needs better and can be arranged quickly.