If you or someone in your family has a disability or illness, the design of your home and the fittings in it can often be adapted to help you.

We can help with adapting your home if, for example, you find it difficult to:

• get in and out of your home
• use the kitchen and bathroom
• use taps, heating controls, window latches and door handles.

If you think an adaptation would help you, please contact us. Your repairs helpline, maintenance officer or housing officer will be able to advise you. Some examples of the type of work we can organise and pay for are:

• grab rails
• alterations to doorsteps
• temporary ramps
• lever taps
• door entry equipment
• minor alterations to bathrooms and kitchens.

Is planning permission needed?

If the work is outside, such as a ramp, you may need planning permission from the council. We will be happy to help you with this.

Do I need Knightstone's permission?

Yes. It's always a good idea to contact us first as we might be able to pay for the work.

We will only refuse permission if your home is totally unsuited to the work that needs to be done. We will work with you and your occupational therapist to find a different approach to the work or a move to a more suitable home.

Who pays for adaptations?

We pay for adaptations costing up to £3,500. If the work is likely to cost more you'll need to apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant through the local authority. We can help you to fill in the forms and contact the right people.

Minor adaptations costing up to £1,000, such as grab rails, will be ordered straightaway through our Repairs Helplines. These will normally be completed for you within three weeks.

Work costing between £1,000 and £3,500 will need to be approved by an Occupational Therapist. We can advise you how to do this.

If you can't get a grant, some charities may be able to help, for example the British Legion or Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA) for ex-servicemen and their families.

Your local Home Improvement Agency may know of other sources of charitable funding.

Your occupational therapist will be able to give advice about alternative options, such as equipment, and where to get it from.

What if my home can’t be adapted?

Some properties can’t be adapted, perhaps because of the design or location. We will work with you to find a more suitable home for you to move to. We may be able to help pay towards the cost of the move if we have funds available.