Aids and Adaptations
Requests for Aids and Adaptations
Pickering and Ferens Homes has an agreed policy and procedure for the provision of aids and adaptations. Any resident ofPickering and Ferens Homes may request an aid or adaptation to be provided at their property. However, you may find that your local social services team are able to provide small adaptations free of charge, please contact them on: (01482) 300300.
Requests or referrals
A request for aids or adaptations may be received from a resident, a relative, a doctor, an occupational therapist or a health worker. Examples of aids and adaptations are:
- Removal of the bath and the installation of a wet-room or shower tray.
- Installation of an over-bath shower.
- Removal of internal thresholds to create access for wheelchairs/walking frames.
- Installation of a ramp to a doorway.
- Installation of hand rails or grab rails.
Stage 1
For minor works such as additional grab rails or the removal of thresholds it is not always necessary to obtain supporting documentation and the request will be dealt with as soon as possible, subject to funding being available.
For major works such as an over-bath or walk-in shower, if it is necessary for an occupational therapist to confirm that you require this then, we can obtain a referral on your behalf if necessary.
Stage 2
When we have received all the necessary information, the request will be prioritised at our regular Aids and Adaptations panel meeting.
The determining factors for approving or rejecting requests are:
- Length of time of the request.
- What are the present circumstances.
- Level of family and professional support available, and
- Budget availability.
Stage 3
Once the panel has decided which aids and adaptations will be undertaken the resident(s) will be informed.
Timescale
It is difficult to accurately estimate how long it will take to grant a request for aids and adaptations as competitive tenders may be required for major works. Liaison with the Hull City Council will also take place.
Please note: If your property has an over-bath shower or level entry shower installed when you move in, the association will not consider a request for these to be removed, other than in exceptional circumstances.
Sheltered Flats (However, we will look at each residents request)
It is not generally the policy of the association to consider requests for over-bath or level entry showers to individual flats within a sheltered housing scheme. This is because assisted bathing facilities are already provided within these schemes.
If you live in a sheltered flat and wish to have a shower installed then please write to the association requesting permission to carry out these works.
Disabled Facilities Grants (DFG’S)
Residents may be able to obtain aids and adaptation works via a Disabled Facilities Grant. A brief outline of the Disabled Facilities Grant process is outlined below:
1. A request for a DFG is made by the resident and an occupational therapist’s report is provided or obtained.
2. An application for a grant is made to the Local Authority.
3. The Local Authority will visit the resident and survey the property to ensure that the resident meets the required criteria.
4. A schedule of works will be provided to Pickering and Ferens Homes by the Local Authority.
5. Pickering and Ferens Homes will be required to obtain estimates for the work from our own approved contractors. These estimates will then be sent to the Local Authority Grants Office for acceptance.
6. The DFG will be processed by the Local Authority and Pickering and Ferens Homes will be informed of the outcome.
7. A works order will be sent to our approved contractor asking them to carry out the works.
8. Pickering and Ferens Homes’ approved contractor will contact the resident to make an appointment to carry out the approved works.
9. The adaptation will then be inspected by a member of staff of Pickering and Ferens Homes.
