Finding out about home adaptation

A home adaptation is a change that makes your home easier to live in.

Before making any adaptations it's important to get expert advice.

The first person to contact about any home adaptation work is an occupational therapist. They can assess the problems you are having and suggest solutions, which may include adaptations.

Our Occupational therapy and Parkinson's information sheet provides more information on what an occupational therapist can do for people with Parkinson's.

Home adaptation for independent living

Home adaptations can range from small adaptations to major building work. They can include the following:

• Rails to doorways and stairs
• Half steps
• Ramps
• Widening of doorways
• Levelling of threshold strips between rooms
• Stair lifts
• Replacement of bath with shower
• Access to bedroom and/or bathroom
• Chair or bed raisers

Paying for home adaptations

Advice and intervention provided by an NHS health and social services occupational therapist is free of charge.

There is a range of basic items of equipment and some minor home adaptations to aid independence and safety, which are also available free of charge.

Payments for major home adaptations can be subject to means testing.

Our Mali Jenkins Fund can provide one-off grants for equipment and adaptations.

The DirectGov website also has information on who to contact about adaptations and facilities grants.

Also in this section

• Choosing mobility equipment and disability aids
• Getting the right advice on equipment and aids
• Finding out about home adaptation
• Help with the cost of mobility equipment and disability aids
• Useful contacts

• email
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