Home adaptations

Yes, there are two types of adaptations, minor and major.

Minor adaptations are small changes to your home and can include installing items such as grab rails, fixed shower seats, half steps, key safes or lever taps on sinks and baths.

Major adaptations can include changes to your property such as stair lifts, level access showers and entry ramps, to make it easier for you to move around your home and remain independent.

We will usually fund minor adaptations up to a cost of £1,500. To make an application for a minor adaptation, please get in touch by emailing adaptations@onward.co.uk.

Your local authority will also provide a Community Equipment Service where you may be able to borrow various equipment, such as removable shower seats, WC raisers or portable ramps. You can find out more about this service by visiting the Government’s website.

For major adaptations, you will need an occupational therapy assessment from your local authority. You may need to apply to your local authority for Disabled Facilities Grant funding, and we may be able to contribute towards the cost of works.

To find out more about the applying for a grant and to contact an Occupational Therapist, please visit the Government’s website.

We aim to complete minor adaptations within four weeks. For more complex works, such as fitting bespoke rails, this may take longer and we will keep you informed throughout the process. Where we receive an urgent referral from a professional to help someone return home from hospital, we aim to complete the works within 48 hours.

Major adaptations are a longer process and each local authority we work with has a different approach. When your adaptation referral is received from the local authority, we will keep you up to date with the progress of your adaptation.

We may refuse to carry out either minor or major adaptations and the details for these will always be shared with you. Where we do refuse an adaptation, we will always explain why and outline the relevant policy clause(s). We will also look to help with rehousing to a more suitable property.

You have the right to ask for an appeal of the decision.