If you or someone in your family has a disability, the design of your home and the fittings in it can 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 a small adaptation would help you, please contact us. 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.
If you need a more complicated adaptation an assessment will need to be carried out by an occupational therapist.
How do I get the right adaptations?
For small adaptations our Maintenance Officers will be able to help you. For more complicated work, we can help you contact your local Social Services department to arrange for an occupational therapist to visit you at home.
They will talk with you to assess your needs and give expert advice on ways to help your daily life become a little easier. They may tell you about equipment, discuss adaptations or suggest a move to a more suitable home. This is a free service. We will work with Social Services and the occupational therapist to help meet your needs.
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 have a yearly budget for minor adaptations, costing up to £1,000. This will be used on a first come first served basis and if the budget is spent before the end of the year, we will start a waiting list.
For more complex and costly adaptations such as permanent ramps, stair lifts, shower rooms, extensions etc, you may qualify for a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) from the local council. You will be asked to give information on your income to help assess if you can afford to pay for the work.
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, the local council and your occupational therapist 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.