Aids and adaptations

We want all our tenants to enjoy their homes and be comfortable in them. There are several disabilities that can affect the way in which you are able to use your home and we will be happy to investigate these issues with the help of an Occupational Therapist or Adult Care Services.

How we can help you?
On the advice of an Occupational Therapist or Adult Care Services we may be able to help you remain in your home or use it more fully by carrying out adaptations to the property to meet your needs. The type of adaptations we may be able to carry out include:

Minor adaptations

1. Installation of grab rails or handrails.
2. Installation of fixed toilet frames.
3. Installation of lever taps to washbasins, sinks and baths.

We will arrange for minor adaptations to be fitted as soon as possible after receiving a recommendation by an Occupational Therapist or Adult Care Services.

Where major adaptations are needed, we will help you access assistance in applying for the grants you require.

Major adaptations include:

1. Installing a level access shower to replace a bath.
2. Installing a permanent ramp to a doorway.
3. Installing stair lifts or through floor lifts.
4. Internal alterations to walls and doorways.

Paying for the work
Minor adaptations will be funded through a special budget set aside by Hightown purely for this purpose. Major adaptations will need to be funded through a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG). Your Occupational
Therapist or Local Authority can advise you on how to apply for the grant. The Disabled Facilities Grant is means tested, and you may be required to contribute towards the cost of the work.

How quickly will the work be done?

Requests for minor adaptations will be treated in the same manner as routine repairs and will be carried out within 20 working days of the order being placed. Unless we need to get a quote for the work, we will place the order for the work within one week of
receiving your request.

Moving

Sometimes it is not practical for us to carry out adaptations to your home because of its size, construction, location, or the number of adaptations required. In these situations, we may encourage you
to move to a property more suited to your needs, or one that is more easily adapted.

More information
If you think that you or a member of your household may benefit from any of the assistance explained in this section or if you would like to discuss this subject further, please contact the Repairs team on 01442 292301