If your needs change and you’re finding it difficult to manage at home, we can help. There are a range of aids and adaptations that can be introduced to your home to enable you to live as independently and safely as possible.


How can you help me? 

Minor adaptations 

Minor adaptations describes any work that doesn't significantly alter the structure of your home, but will assist you to live independently more comfortably. The work will typically cost less than £1,000 and include examples such as:

  • Grab rails
  • Banister rails
  • Half height steps
  • Floor to wall/ceiling rails
  • Lever taps
  • Key safes

You must be registered as living at the property to apply and you don't need an occupational therapy assessment via the Local Authority or a letter from your GP.  

To request a minor adaptation, contact us on 0345 345 0272 or email [email protected]

 

Major adaptations 

Major adaptations describes any work to your home that costs more than £1,000. For this type of work, you’ll need to contact your local council and ask for an assessment by an occupational therapist. They will visit your home to determine what changes are needed. You won’t have to pay for this assessment. 

Examples of major adaptations include:

  • Wet rooms
  • Over-bath shower
  • Ramp
  • Stair-lift
  • Wash/dry toilet
  • Door widening 

You will need to find funding to pay for a major adaptation, but you can also apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) through our local council.   

If you’re in rent arrears, you may be asked to make an agreement to pay off your arrears.  

 

Are there any reasons why my home couldn’t be adapted? 

An adaptation would be refused if:   

  • You’re living in the property on a temporary basis 
  • The property is leased by us from a ‘head landlord’ (in this situation the request will be referred to the head landlord) 
  • The adaptation isn’t for you or a member of your household  
  • The need hasn’t been identified by an occupational therapist   
  • Your home is in disrepair or scheduled to be demolished  
  • It’s not physically possible to alter the property in the required way
  • The adaptation would have an adverse impact on other residents  
  • It doesn’t meet all planning and building regulation requirements, would present a health and safety risk, or there are legal or contractual reasons which prevent us from carrying out the adaptation
  • Where you’re seeking to be rehoused, have made a right to buy/acquire application or other circumstances that would nullify the benefit of adapting the property.  

If you choose to move from your adapted home, we wouldn’t be able to carry out further adaptations to your new home. This wouldn’t apply if we had to move you from your adapted home.   

 

Are there any changes that wouldn’t be granted by YHG? 

We wouldn’t be able to fund the following: 

  • Portable equipment including WC seats, walking/toileting aids, portable shower seats, induction loops, portable heating, or lighting etc 
  • Assistive technology 
  • Removing adaptations unless requested by an occupational therapist (OT) 
  • Scooter store/electric point for scooters/ramps for electric scooters  
  • Level access showers would not be replaced with a bath unless requested by an OT 
  • Fitting over-bath showers, unless requested by an OT 
  • Additional parking facilities – disabled parking spaces are arranged through your local council 
  • Creating more than one entrance to a property   
  • Landscaping (unless essential for access purposes)  
  • Major adaptations to an upper floor flat, which is not served by a passenger lift  
  • Decoration following minor adaptations  
  • Home extension or loft conversion
  • Through floor lift if property is under occupied.

If we’re unable to make the changes you need – for example, if it would affect the structure or safety of your home - we’ll help you find another suitable home.  

View our Adaptations Policy

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long will I have to wait for a major adaptation?

The major adaptation process can take time due to the need for the local authority to process the Disabled Facilities Grant, but some are quicker than others. We have no influence on how long the process takes but it can be from 12-18 months in some cases.

Do I have to pay for a major adaptation?

Once assessed and approved, major adaptations will usually be funded through a Disabled Facilities Grant, as long as you meet the eligibility criteria and pass their financial assessment. This is all carried out by your local authority. 

Will you always be able to meet my request for an adaptation?

No, sometimes it is not practical for us to carry out adaptations to your home, because of its size, construction, location or the amount 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.

How can I find out what's happening with my request for a major adaptation?

You can call the local authority directly for an update or you can call us on 0345 345 0272 or email [email protected].

If I am in rent arrears, will my major adaptation be approved?

This will be dependent upon the amount of rent arrears and if you are reducing these. Each case will be assessed individually.

How do I request a minor adaptation?

You can request a minor adaptation by contacting us on 0345 345 0272 or emailing [email protected].