Aids & Adaptations Policy
1. Introduction
Castles & Coasts Housing Association (CCHA) is committed to meeting the needs of its residents and supporting, where practicable, independent living in their homes with privacy and dignity for as long as possible.
CCHA will, in providing this service, seek to balance the adequacy of the accommodation in relation to the individual, along with the nature of the particular property as an asset of the Association. Budgets are not infinite, and, in seeking to achieve value for money, we will seek to combine our funding with Disabled Facilities Grants (DFG) from Local Authorities (LA) to maximise the number of residents we can support.
This policy provides the basis for CCHA to develop and implement procedures for considering requests for aids and adaptations from residents.
This policy and procedures meet the requirements of the Regulatory Home Standard
2. Cross References
This document is a standalone policy which is supported by a procedural document and the following CCHA policies and procedures:
• Residents Charter
• Complaints Policy
• Empty Property Management Policy
• Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Strategy
• Asset Management Strategy
• Allocations Policy
• Rent Arrears Policy
• Right to Repair and Right to Compensation for Improvements Policy
3. Strategic Aims
The strategic aims addressed in this policy, and in line with the Corporate Strategy/Objectives, are:
Our Homes & Communities We will offer our residents a safe, high quality home that is affordable, in a place that they are proud to live.
• Through assisting independent living by provision of adaptations where appropriate
We will invest our resources wisely to achieve this
• Through seeking funding, where possible, and obtaining value for money in delivering adaptations, whilst maintaining the long term value of individual assets/properties
“Customer”
A truly customer driven housing provider, which puts our residents voice at the heart of everything we do.
• By delivering an efficient, customer focused, measurable and transparent service to residents and other stakeholders
Castles & Coasts Housing Association Aids & Adaptations Policy – Version 2
Legal advice obtained on 12.10.22 by Brabners
Date approved by ELT: 02.05.2023
1 of 2
4. Definitions
4.1 Minor Adaptations
Commonly defined as works within an estimated cost of less than £1,000, the average is £124 per applicant based on 2021/22 figures Minor adaptations include items such as:
• Grab rails/hand rails/paddle flushes to WCs
• Plinth for WCs
• Floor fixed toilet frame
• Raised door step/kick plates
• Door intercom system
• Lever taps
• Adjustment to door handles/window latches/light switches
• Flashing doorbell/fire alarm systems
• Small ramps
4.2
Major Adaptions
Commonly defined as adaptations with an estimated cost of more than £1,000. In order for us to help as many residents as possible to benefit from our Aids & Adaptations budget, these works should by funded where possible by a DFG, with a potential contribution from CCHA. Applications for DFGs should be submitted, where appropriate, by the resident, supported by CCHA, to the LA. Major adaptations include items such as:
• Level access showers/wet rooms/over bath showers
• Ramps
• Closomatic toilets
• Stair lifts
• Extensions, to meet applicant’s needs – LA funded only
• Doorway Widening
• Room conversions, to meet applicant’s needs – LA funded only
4.3 Disabled Person
CCHA adopts the definition of “disability” from the Equality Act 2010. A disabled person has a physical or mental impairment which has a long term and substantial adverse effect on their ability to carry out normal day to day activities. Physical or mental impairment includes sensory impairments, such as those affecting sight or hearing.
5. Policy Detail – Responsibilities
CCHA’s Asset Management Team, (adaps@castlesandcoasts.co.uk) will assess all applications for aids and adaptations received from Occupational Therapists (OTs), GPs or directly from a resident or their appointed representative.
Where approaches are made directly from residents, or their appointed representative, the CCHA Asset Management Team will assess the requirement in relation to the tenancy and property in question, before signposting to the LA/OT, to obtain a referral based on medical need.
Castles & Coasts Housing Association Aids & Adaptations Policy – Version 2
Legal advice obtained on 12.10.22 by Brabners
Date approved by ELT: 02.05.2023
2 of 2