Long term careHome adaptations

Equipment or adaptations to your home, from gadgets to help you get dressed to installing a downstairs bathroom, may help you to stay independent.

Get an assessment

You should start by getting an assessment from your council. This is usually done by a specialist such as an occupational therapist, but there may be a waiting list. 

They can also advise on housing grants for agreed adaptations to your home, such as means-tested Disabled Facilities Grants (DFGs) in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, country-specific grants such as housing grants in Scotland, or low-cost loans. See Care funding and assessments.

If you’re having difficulty walking, your GP or community nurse should arrange a physiotherapy assessment.

Advice on home adaptations

Older and disabled people can also get advice on adapting, improving and repairing their home from a not-for-profit local Home Improvement Agency (called either ‘Care and Repair’ or ‘Staying Put’ schemes). These may also provide lists of approved local contractors and schemes such as handymen and gardeners.

The Home Improvement Trust also runs the Houseproud scheme to provide advice to homeowners (not Northern Ireland).

If you’re choosing contractors to adapt your home, use recommendations from friends and family or try Which? Local, and don’t use people who knock on your door. Before they start, get three quotes and written confirmation of the work and price.

Funding for home adaptations

The council may supply equipment such as bath lifts, or you may be able to get the cash and/or buy privately. Even if buying privately, shop around and get advice on what you need, for instance from a council or private occupational therapist or a Disabled Living Centre (see the Which? guide to mobility aids).

Reduced-rate VAT

If you have a long-term illness or you're disabled, you don't have to pay VAT on certain goods and services for your own use, such as some mobility equipment, adapted vehicles and certain building work. 

Normally, the supplier will provide you with a declaration to complete. See the HMRC website for more about reduced-rate VAT on equipment for disabled people.

For more information on home adaptation, see the Which? guide to adapting your home for disability.