Adaptations
Onward is committed to meeting the needs of its tenants for independence, privacy and dignity.
We aim to help people continue to live independently and comfortably in their homes for as long as possible, with minimum intrusion or intervention.
There are two types of adaptations:
- Minor adaptations can include smaller items such as grab rails, key safes or lever taps on sinks and baths. Onward will usually fund minor adaptations up to a cost of £1,500.
- 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.
You may need to apply to your local authority for Disabled Facilities Grant funding to carry out major adaptations and Onward will usually contribute towards the cost of works.
In practice, this means getting an Occupational Therapist to assess your needs. You can contact an Occupational Therapists through your local council.
To make an application for an adaptation, please contact us.
Click the questions below for more information on our adaptations service.
What are adaptations?
Adaptations are alterations to your home that can help make every day tasks easier and safer, should your needs change. Adaptations can be made to all areas of your home and garden.
Onward do not provide removable shower seats, WC raisers or portable ramps. Your local authority provides a Community Equipment Service where you may be able to borrow various equipment.
Can I have a home adaptation?
Minor adaptations are small changes to your home such as grab rails, fixed shower seats, half steps and lever taps. To request a minor adaptation, please contact us.
Major adaptations are larger changes to your home such as installing a level access shower, kitchen adaptations or ramps. For a major adaptation you will need an Occupational Therapy assessment from your local authority. An Occupational Therapist will work out the right adaptation for you and make recommendations to us.
What happens if I’m refused an adaptation?
We may refuse to undertake 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 cite the relevant policy clause(s).
You have the right to ask for an appeal of the decision. We will also look to help with rehousing to a more suitable property. If you are not satisfied after appeal, you can make a complaint by contacting us, and this will be review by the Adaptations Team Leader and Safer Neighbourhoods Manager.
How long will my home adaptation take?
We aim to complete minor adaptations within four weeks. For more complex works, such as fitting bespoke rails, this may take longer. 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 process. When your adaptation referral is received from the local authority, we will keep you up to date with the progress of your adaptation.