Independent living leaflet

Renewals and Adaptations

Helping to support independent living – Delivering home adaptations

Being able to access all the key facilities in our homes is something we often take for granted, but for someone who cannot do this, the effect can be devastating. Housing adaptations are vital in enabling a person to remain living independently and safely in their own home and can transform a person’s quality of life. Some people may need something as simple and easy to provide as a handrail. Others could need something much larger and more complex like an extension to their home or a through-floor lift.

Sometimes the simplest of adaptations, like handrails, can help enable someone to be discharged from hospital to live back home.

Similarly, handrails and ramps can also help reduce the risk of trips and falls which may result in hospital admission in the first place.

Swansea Council has developed a service to provide a person with the much needed adaptations as quickly as possible via a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG).

Once a need has been assessed and adaptations identified, Swansea Council will assist in providing the adaptation in a quick and efficient manner.

What types of adaptations are available?

Whether you own or rent your home, the basic arrangements will be the same. There are three levels of adaptations: Minor Adaptation Grant (MAG), Fast Track Adaptation (FTA), Large Adaptation (DFG).

Whilst an individual’s needs may include more than one type, the service aims to provide the quickest, most effective solution to deliver the adaptations.

Minor Adaptation Grant (MAG) This category typically includes very simple and straightforward items such as: • • • •

grab rails and stair rails small ramps accessible taps key safes

Features These adaptations are generally simple in nature and will typically be installed quickly, once the need has been identified.

They won’t require a means test. There is no requirement for an Occupational Therapist or Trusted Assessor assessment.

Fast Track Adaptation (FTA) This category covers some modifications or changes to the home (but not those requiring planning permission or structural changes) and includes items such as: • walk in shower • stair lifts • large ramps Features They may be means tested (exceptions may apply).

They may require Occupational Therapist or Trusted Assessor assessment.

Large Adaptation (DFG) This category includes significant adaptations to the home which may involve structural changes, and could require planning permission, and includes things such as: • building an extension, for example to provide a downstairs bedroom and/or bathroom • through-floor lift • significant internal structural modifications, for example to relocate bathroom or kitchen Features Prompt action will be taken in all cases, but the timescale will reflect the steps which have to be taken in some cases, e.g. planning permission.

They will be means tested (exceptions may apply).

They will require an Occupational Therapist assessment.

Who should I contact if I need an adaptation?

If you are struggling to access any basic facilities in your home, or feel unsafe getting around your property, you could benefit from an adaptation to your home.

You can contact the Renewals and Adaptations Section yourself or ask a family member or friend to contact us.

If you live in a Council property, you should contact your local District Housing Office or contact the Renewals and Adaptations Section.

If you own or rent privately, you should contact the Renewals and Adaptations Section.

Contact: Renewals and Adaptations  01792 635330  urbanrenewals@swansea.gov.uk  www.swansea.gov.uk/homeadaptations You can also contact Western Bay Care and Repair for help and advice on  01792 798599.