What are aids and adaptations?

Adaptations are permanent changes to your home which help you to use essential facilities within it, such as the equipment in your kitchen or bathroom. They should increase your independence and safety within your home; improve your quality of life and allow you to live in your home for longer.

There are two types of adaptation: minor and major

Minor adaptations

Minor adaptations are alterations made to your home that are simple and straight forward and don’t significantly alter the layout. Examples of this work include grab rails, ‘half steps’ and additional handrails on the stairs.

Major adaptations

Major adaptations are alterations made to your home that significantly alter the layout. Examples of this work include removing the bath and installing a walk-in shower, and widening internal or external doors.

Applying for an adaptation

All applicants receive an assessment from an independent occupational therapist, who will make recommendations based on their needs. If the recommendations don’t fall within our remit your application will be passed to Braintree District Council to be considered for a Disabled Facilities Grant. You can apply by filling out the form in the Useful Links box on the right-hand-side of this page, or contacting us.

Targets and timescales

Once the assessment has been carried out and we have received any recommendations from the occupational therapist:

We aim to complete all minor adaptations within 28 working days

We aim to complete all major adaptations within 10 weeks, unless the work is of a non-standard nature.