Frequently asked questions about adaptations

We have put together some frequently asked questions about adaptations.

Am I eligible for my home to be adapted?

You will be considered for adaptations if you are a tenant or a permanent member of the tenant’s household, and you have a disability which has a substantial and long-term effect on your ability to carry out normal day to day activities.

Who can request home adaptations?

Any tenant who meets the eligibility criteria above can request home adaptations. However, tenancy checks will be carried out and adaptation work may not be able to go ahead if:

you are about to leave your home
you are buying your council home through the Right to Buy Scheme
you are an introductory tenant
the adaption is not considered to be reasonable or practicable

How much will it cost to adapt my home?

If the adaptation work is approved, the work will be fully funded by the council. Currently there is no means testing if you are a council tenant.

What happens at the assessment?

Occupational Therapists will look at all potential options including 'equipment-based solutions' before considering other options such as major adaptations.

During the assessment, the worker will help you to identify specific goals and will work with you to identify things that might help you to retain, regain, or develop your independence. This could include specialist equipment, support, and if necessary, housing adaptations.

What happens next?

Occupational Therapist recommendations are referred to the Derbyshire Adaptations panel who will consider each case on a case-by-case basis.

If an occupational therapist at a hospital has recently assessed you, they can forward their assessment and recommendations for adaptations to us.

Major adaptations can be a lengthy process taking several months or even a year to complete, depending on the complexities of the adaptations required.

What happens if the panel refuses the request for a major adaptation?

The adaptations panel routinely meet to consider requests for major adaptation work. The panel will consider whether the work is reasonable and practical to carry out.

The council needs to be happy that the work is:

necessary and appropriate to meet your needs
reasonable and can be done, depending on the age, structure, location and condition of your home

In some cases, it’s not possible or practicable to carry out adaptations to a home. This may be because of the problems with the design, structure, location or costs that make it not possible to carry out the work.  

What happens if my home cannot be adapted?

If the council is unable to adapt your current home you will be offered the opportunity to move to a home which may have already been adapted or better meets your needs, in addition to this, you may be eligible for financial assistance to help you with your moving costs.

Please contact the housing and health team on 01246 345700 for further information about the financial assistance available.  

What other options are available?

Rather than have your home adapted you may choose to move to a home where adaptation work has already taken place which will better meet your needs now and in the future.

If this is the case, the Housing and Health Team can offer you assistance by:

identifying and notifying you when a suitable property becomes available
direct matching you to a suitable property
liaising with the Home Options Team
liaising with Social Services

What happens if my adaptation or equipment needs to be repaired?

If the work was carried out or equipment fitted within the last six months, please call 01246 345700.

After six months, please contact our repairs department on 0800 587 5659. Out of hours emergency repairs can be reported on 01246 345041. You can also report repairs on our website or in person at the customer service centre.

The council is responsible for the service and maintenance of equipment such as stair lifts, and ceiling track hoists and a specialist contractor is in place to carry out this work.