Home Adaptations

Minor Adaptations

Small changes can have a large impact on safety and independence. These are typically low-cost and quick to install:

Minor adaptations costing under £1,000 are often provided free by the local council following an Occupational Therapist assessment. Ask the council's adult social care team to arrange an OT visit.

Bathroom Adaptations

The bathroom is one of the highest-risk rooms in the home for older adults. Key adaptations include:

• Walk-in shower or wet room — eliminates the step over the bath, which is a major fall risk. A wet room with a fold-down seat and grab rails offers maximum independence.
• Bath lift — a powered seat that lowers you into the bath and raises you out. Less invasive than converting to a wet room.
• Grab rails in shower — floor-to-ceiling pole or wall-mounted rails at the correct height for the individual
• Non-slip bath/shower mat — simple and effective
• Thermostatic mixer tap — prevents scalding, particularly important for people with reduced sensation

Stairlifts and Through-Floor Lifts

Where stairs have become a barrier, a stairlift or through-floor lift may allow the person to continue using their whole home rather than being confined to the ground floor.

• Stairlift — typically £2,000–£5,000. Many are also available reconditioned at much lower cost. Can be funded via the Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG).
• Through-floor lift — a platform or enclosed lift installed through the floor/ceiling. More expensive (£6,000–£15,000) but accessible to wheelchair users. Also DFG-fundable.
• Where installation is not feasible, a ground-floor bedroom arrangement combined with a downstairs shower room is the alternative

Access and Mobility

• Ramps — replacing or supplementing steps at the front or back door. Can be permanent or portable. Required for wheelchair users and those with walking aids.
• Widened doorways — standard doorways are often too narrow for wheelchairs. Widening to 800mm is the standard for wheelchair access.
• Lever taps and handles — much easier to operate for people with arthritis or reduced hand strength
• Smart home controls — voice-activated lights, heating and security can significantly improve independence. See our care technology guide.

Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG)

The Disabled Facilities Grant is a means-tested government grant that can fund adaptations to your home. In 2025/26:

The DFG can fund: ramps, grab rails, stairlifts, through-floor lifts, bathroom adaptations, widened doors, specialist heating controls, and more.

If you need adaptations costing more than £30,000, you may be able to combine the DFG with other funding sources (council discretionary grants, charity grants, your own savings).

Apply directly to your local council's housing or adult social care team. An OT assessment will usually be required as part of the application. See our full DFG guide.

Occupational Therapist Assessment

An Occupational Therapist (OT) is the professional who assesses your home and recommends specific adaptations based on your individual needs. An OT assessment is:

• Free through the NHS or local council — request via your GP or adult social care team
• The gateway to many free or funded adaptations — minor adaptations, DFG applications, equipment provision
• Holistic — covers not just physical home modifications but also equipment, techniques and training

To arrange an OT assessment, contact your local council's adult social care team and ask for a home assessment. You can also ask your GP or community nursing team to refer you.

Waiting lists for NHS/council OT assessments can be long. If you need an urgent assessment, some areas have a rapid response OT service. Private OT assessments are also available, typically at £150–£300, which can be worthwhile if you need to move quickly.