Helping customers who need aids and adaptations
We know that sometimes if a customer’s physical health has changed over time, or as a new prospective customer with disabling conditions you’re hoping to move into one of our properties, you may need some modifications to your home to make it suit your needs.
We call these changes adaptations. An adaptation can be anything from a simple grab rail, to a more complex stair lift, for example.
Adaptations fall into one of two categories: minor adaptations and major adaptations. Which type of adaptation it is depends on how it should be requested, and how it is funded, so if it’s something you need, it’s important to know the difference. If you are unsure whether your adaptation is major or minor, please get in touch and we can help.
You can find all of the information in our Adaptations Policy [PDF], but we have summarised it below.
Minor adaptations
These are small changes to the home which can help you to remain independent. This is work that costs less than £1,000, for example adding grab or hand rails, ramps, raised toilet seats or a wall mounted shower chair.
You should contact us directly if you need minor adaptations, giving as much information as possible.
NCHA will cover the cost of minor adaptations.
Major adaptations
More significant work costing over £1,000 is classed as a major adaptation. This includes work like installing stair lifts, or fitting a wet room or level access shower.
For all major adaptations, you should contact your local authority care and support services and request for an Occupational Therapist (OT) assessment (see useful links below). They will visit you in your home and assess your needs. The OT will then send NCHA an adaptation request form duly completed and the OT assessment report, and seek permission for the major adaptations works to be carried out.
NCHA does not cover the cost of major adaptations. However, you might be eligible for a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) to help you pay for any work.
Reviewing adaptation requests
Each request is reviewed on a case by case basis. That is why it’s really important that we receive as much information as possible.
Once a request has been reviewed, we’ll contact you to inform you of the decision. Our adaptations team meets monthly to review adaptations requests, so we endeavour to contact customers with a decision within 30 days, but it may take longer for more complex cases.
Contact us
If you have any questions about adaptations, you can contact us by emailing adaptations@ncha.org.uk.
