Adapting Homes

An adaptation is a change to a person’s home which makes it easier to live in. Leicestershire County Council's Adult Social Care Services currently arranges about 6000 adaptations each year to the homes of older and disabled people. Examples of adaptations may include:

• grab rails or banisters
• stair lifts
• level-access showers
• ramps
• widened doors

How to Apply

A person will be seen and assessed in their own home, usually by an Occupational Therapist or Community Care Worker, who will make appropriate recommendations for any adaptations required to make the home as safe as possible.

Minor Adaptations

Minor adaptations, such as grab rails, small ramps and stair rails are arranged by Adult Social Care Services. For example, raising the height of the bed/chair so that standing is much easier if a person has stiff, painful hips and knees or making a home safer to get around by the installation of hand rails and ramps. If you live in a council or housing association property, you may contact us to provide the work.

Sometimes adaptations may be provided to enable people to be discharged from hospital. An Occupational Therapist (or other worker) may also recommend aids, such as bathing equipment or a commode, these are provided following an assessment.

There is currently a pilot scheme operating in North West Leicestershire for 'Self' Assessment whereby you are able to self assess for equipment and minor adaptations you might need. See Self Assessment for the equipment and Minor Adaptations. Alternatively, see Assessment.

Major Adaptations

When a major adaptation, such as installing a stairlift or shower, is recommended homeowners may apply to us for a Disabled Facilities Grant to cover the cost of the work. The grant is means tested and the applicant may be required to pay an amount towards the cost of the adaptation.

If you live in a council or housing association property, you may contact us to provide the work.

Further Information

More links are available in the navigation on the left of this page.

• Age Concern - Adapting your home (.pdf)
• See Also Aids and Equipment

Contact: Leicestershire County Council Adult Social Care

Telephone: 0116 305 7404

E-mail: adultsocialcare@leics.gov.uk