If you’re a social rent customer and you, or someone you live with are struggling due to a long-term illness, age, disability or mobility issues you may need some physical changes made to your home to improve your safety and independence. These are called ‘Adaptations’.
Adaptations fall into one of two categories: Minor and Major.
Minor adaptations
We can help with a wide range of small adaptations up to a maximum value of £2,000 (excl. VAT).
These include:
- Grab rails by your toilet
- Handrails and half-steps if your step is too high
- Lever taps on the washbasin
- Window winders for high windows
- Specialist smoke alarms for hearing loss
- Door entry handsets nearer your armchair
- Changing light fittings for visual impairment
- Moving plug sockets/ light switches within reach.
Many of our Tradesmen are trained to do simple assessments for adaptations without the need for an Occupational Therapist assessment. However, sometimes we need more specialist professional advice to make sure the proposed location or type of adaptation to your property is suitable and safe for you and/or your carers.
Will I have to pay for a minor adaptation?
No - Abri will fund feasible minor adaptations up to £2,000 excl. VAT
What happens next?
We will carry out an inspection of your property to determine if the required adaptation is possible. Following this, we will order any materials and products needed before installing the adaptation. If we are unsure of the cost of an adaptation, we will organise an inspection and quote for the work to see whether the cost is within our £1,500 incl VAT spend limit.
Is Abri required to do exactly what I asked for?
No. Sometimes it is not possible or not allowed, but we will give you a reason and try to help you another way.
I’m a Leaseholder or Shared Owner customer, can I have an adaptation to my home?
Abri-funded adaptations are usually only available for social rent customers unless needed in communal areas and may impact other households.
If you are a Leaseholder or Shared Owner and would like to make alterations inside your home, please contact our Alterations and Permissions team by calling us on 0300 123 1 567 or email us at hello@abri.co.uk
Major adaptations
These are larger, permanent adaptations in situations where equipment or minor adaptations cannot help you. These cost over the limit of £2,000 and so are not usually carried out or funded by Abri. Instead, many are funded through a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) administered by your Council following assessment by a Local Authority Occupational Therapist. Alternatively, you can request our permission to carry out the works yourself, at your own expense.
Examples of major adaptations includes:
- Outside ramps and connecting pathways
- Level access showers
- Stairlifts or through-floor lifts
- Automated door or window openers.
DFG applications are processed by your local Council in accordance with national legislation. There are qualifying criteria including a means-test (except when for a child), and some people may have to contribute towards the cost of the adaptations depending on their income and savings.
A range of options may be discussed with you, including rehousing as an alternative to adapting your home.
How can I check if I am eligible for a Disabled Facilities Grant?
Before you apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) it might be worth checking if you’re eligible first. Adapt my Home is an online self-assessment tool created by Foundations. You can use it to:
- Search for your local authority
- Access a guided self-assessment on what type of common adaptations may be beneficial
- Help you decide whether to consider moving as an alternative to adapting
- Do an indicative assessment on eligibility for a DFG
- Secure a means test result.
At the end of the assessment you’ll then be given the option to submit the details to your local authority as a referral.
How do I request an assessment for a major adaptation?
Please contact your Local Authority to request an assessment by an Occupational Therapist (OT). You can find their contact details online, through your local library or through the Foundations website. We do not usually do this on your behalf due to the level of detail they want.
What if I don’t qualify for a DFG, the adaptations are not feasible, or my OT does not support my request?
If your home is no longer suitable for you and it cannot be adapted for some reason, you may wish to move to another property that is more suitable.
You could either:
- Look for a mutual exchange on HomeSwappers
- Or apply to your local Housing Options team at your Council (not Abri) to move on medical grounds. Remember to ask them for their medical questionnaire to complete, then return this together with as much supporting evidence as you can, for example, any professional housing needs reports or medical letters. This is important as your priority band will be decided based on whatever evidence you submit.
Will Abri help pay any of my assessed contribution towards the DFG?
No, we do not usually help in this way.
Can I adapt my home if I pay myself?
If you are considering privately-funded adaptations you must first tell us what you're planning and get our permission before making any changes.
Please call us on 0300 123 1 567 or email us at hello@abri.co.uk to make a request.
How long will I have to wait for an assessment and my DFG to be processed?
Unfortunately we cannot advise on Local Authority and Council waiting times because they regularly change and vary greatly across all our regions. Please contact your Local Authority Occupational Therapist and Council Grants teams to discover their current waiting times. You can find their contact details online or through your local library. Unfortunately, we are not able to progress-chase Local Authorities or the Council on behalf of our customers.
Want to discuss your options?
Our Housing Occupational Therapy advisor is available for telephone advice only and may be able to advise you if you don’t already have a Housing or local authority OT .
Please call us on 0300 123 1 567 or email us at hello@abri.co.uk to request a call back.
I’m a Leaseholder or Shared Owner customer, can I have an adaptation to my home?
Adaptations are only available for social rent customers. If you are a Leaseholder or Shared Owner and would like to make alterations to your home please contact our Alterations and Permissions team.
Please call us on 0300 123 1 567 or email us at hello@abri.co.uk to make a request.
Will Abri service and maintain my major adaptation after the warranty expires?
Answer: It depends on the adaptation. Some specialist facilities (eg. stairlifts, specialist baths, ceiling track hoists etc.) must have regular services and inspections to comply with Regulations. If Abri takes on their maintenance, you might be asked to pay a nominal service charge in accordance with your Tenancy Agreement.
Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns about this.
Want to know more?
If you'd like to speak to us about getting an aid or adaptation, call us on 0300 123 1 567
Or email us at hello@abri.co.uk
You can also speak to one of the team on our Live Chat over at myabri.co.uk
Disability equipment
Non-fixed Disability Equipment is not supplied by Abri. Provision of a restricted range of Ioan equipment can be arranged by Social Care or the NHS through their equipment stores if you meet their criteria. Please contact your local authority, NHS therapist or GP surgery to request an assessment, and/or whenever repair or replacement is needed. You may be advised to buy some items yourself if they are not available in your area.
These might include:
- A raised toilet seat
- A free-standing shower stool
- A perching stool to use in the kitchen
- A bed rail
- A trolley to transport items such as meals and drinks between rooms
- Hospital beds and mattresses
- Riser-recliner armchairs
- Walking aids and wheelchairs.