Social Landlord Service: Adaptations Policy

6. Types of assistance available

1. There are three categories of aid and adaptations:
   • equipment
   • minor adaptations
   • major adaptations
2. The most appropriate solution will be sought in all cases and will aim to offer the best value for money whilst meeting the needs of the household. This will be achieved by ensuring that the works are necessary and appropriate to meet the needs of the disabled person and are reasonable and practical depending on the age and condition of the property, prior to authorising the works as outlined in the legislation guidance (Housing Grants Construction and Regeneration Act 1996).

6.1. Equipment

1. Portable or temporary equipment is available to help with those who have difficulties with daily living activities such as:
   • reaching down to put on socks, stockings or shoes
   • turning the taps on and off or generally managing in the kitchen
   • getting in and out of the bath
   • getting up from a low toilet
   • getting up out of an easy chair
   • carrying things between rooms
2. The Council can assess and recommend the need for portable pieces of equipment on behalf of Norfolk County Council. In some circumstance's equipment may be provided free of charge to those people who meet Norfolk County Councils eligibility criteria although this is not guaranteed. Further information is available on Norfolk County Council website: Norfolk County Council Support to Stay at Home

6.2.  Minor Adaptations

1. The Council recognises that the timely provision of minor adaptations can often postpone the need for more substantial adaptations.
2. The type of work carried out includes:
   • lever taps
   • stair rails
   • external grab rails
   • internal grab rails
   • ½ height steps
3. Requests for minor adaptations will normally be made on behalf of the tenant by an Occupational Therapist or Trusted Assessor but they can also be made by another council staff member, for example, a Tenancy Officer.

6.3. Major Adaptations

1. Major adaptations can include:
   • bathroom works for example, installation of level access showers
   • kitchen works for example, installation of height adjustable work surfaces
   • internal access - door widening, stair-lifts, through floor lifts
   • property access - ramps, car hard-standing and dropped kerbs
   • extensions where remodelling the existing layout is not possible and a move has been considered as not appropriate subject to the cost falling within the cost limits set out at section 8
2. Major adaptations will only be carried out following a formal recommendation from an Occupational Therapist or Trusted Assessor, for eligible tenants and in suitable properties.

3. Dropped kerbs are subject to approval being given by Norfolk County Highways.