Adaptations Overview

What is an adaptation?

An adaptation can in simplistic terms be described as “the process of adapting or being adapted” so when considering this in relation to housing and more specifically independent living an adaptation is the process of changing and existing property to better suit the persons specific requirements. These requirements vary depending on a person’s condition or situation.

There are two kinds of adaptation: preventative and reactive. A Preventative Adaptation is one that’s aim is to prevent a situation or condition worsening or something that is preparatory such as designing for age friendly homes. Reactive Adaptations reacts to a change in situation or condition which has subsequently resulted in the home no longer being able to facilitate independent living.

Some examples of common reactive adaptation are as follows:

• Grab rails for mobility issues
• Ramps for wheelchair access
• Ground floor wet rooms for wheelchair users
• Stairlifts for mobility issues
• Hoists for people who are bed bound
• Community alarms for people with dementia

Some examples of Common Preventative adaptation are as follows:

• Adaptations to help prevent falls before they occur
• Technology to facilitate communication in order to limit social isolation

What’s the process?

Generally, the process is the same but has some slight differences depending on your specific situation. The first stage is contacting the local authority social services department. They will mobilise an OT (occupational therapist) visit who will attend your property and conduct an assessment and provide recommendations. After this has been done (depending on your tenure and funding routes) a contractor will be instructed to undertake the works.

In order to make your home more suited for independent living there are four main routes these are:

• Your local authority
• Your housing association
• The NHS
• Self-funded

Why we do them?

We perform adaptations within housing because if someone wishes to remain in a property (which could be due to a multitude of reasons) but the home no longer can support them independently to perform their tasks of daily living (due to a change of condition or situation) then the most appropriate option is to change or adapt the home in order to facilitate their independence. There is an economic balance between.