Disabled adaptations
If you have, or someone in your family has, a disability and you find it difficult to get in or out of your home, or use any part of it, Disabled Facilities Grants are available from your local authority to carry out adaptations to enable you to stay in your home.
These grants are means tested, and you’ll be asked to provide details of your income. We’ll carry out minor works referred to us by an occupational therapist without the need for a grant claim or a means test.
Who can apply for an adaptation?
Anyone can apply for an adaptation to their home if they, or a member of their family living at home needs an adaptation. Landlords and other agencies can also apply on your behalf. If you feel that you need an adaptation you should contact Somerset Direct on 0845 345 9133.
If you live in sheltered or supported housing, or have a support worker, they can contact Somerset Direct for you, and assist you through the process. If you don’t have a support worker, but still need help, please contact us and we’ll arrange for a member of staff to visit you and guide you through the process.
What work is covered?
Somerset Direct will arrange for an assessment to be made of your needs by an occupational therapist, who will contact us to discuss what work is needed. Minor adaptations such as handrails and over-bath showers may be carried out by us.
You have to ask permission from us to adapt your home. We’ll usually agree to this, but in the unlikely event of us refusing permission, we’ll visit you to explain why.
We work closely with local occupational therapy departments, and where large works are involved, residents will normally be expected to stay in the home for at least five years after the work is done.
Other works such as stair lifts, through floor lifts, ceiling track hoists, widening of internal and external doors, specialist kitchens for wheelchair users, level access showers, may be eligible for a Disabled Facilities Grant.
Will you have to pay?
You’ll be asked to provide information about your income and savings. A calculation will be made to assess how much you may have to pay. You’ll not have to make any contribution towards adaptations carried out by us.
What if you can't get a grant?
If you’re told that you can’t get a grant towards the cost of adapting your home, and you can’t pay for it yourself,
there may be help available through charities such as Help The Aged. We can help you with this.
Further advice:
You can get further advice from:
Shelter 0808 800 4444
Advice bureau: Minehead 01643 704624
Taunton 01823 282235
Bridgwater 01278 446 884
Barnstaple 01271 377077
Help The Aged 020 7278 1114
Age concern 0800 00 99 66
Somerset Direct 0845 345 9133
SCHIP 01278 444815
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