Our aids and adaptations service ensures customers are able to remain in their homes and maintain a good quality of life. 

If you or a member of your family has difficulty living in your home due to a long-term illness or disability, we may be able to help by adapting your home to better meet your needs. 

What are aids and adaptations?

Aids and adaptations are physical alterations to your home, designed to make it easier for you to continue leading an independent life in your home.

We define two types of adaptations:

1. Minor adaptations – these adaptations include smaller things like stair rails, grab rails, lever taps and key safes. Works valued at £1000 or less.
2. Major adaptations – these adaptations usually involve making changes to the structure of your home, such as fitting a walk-in shower or stair lift. Works valued at over £1000.

How can I request aids and adaptations in my home?

You can request aids and adaptations in your home by emailing enquiries@ovh.org.uk or calling 0300 365 1111.

If you are not sure about the adaptation you need, or you require major alterations, you can request an assessment from an Occupational Therapist through your local authority, who will help decide what alterations would be suitable for your needs. Details on how to contact your local authority can be found below.

The aids and adaptations process

Frequently asked questions

• What is an Occupational Therapist?

  Occupational Therapists are qualified healthcare professionals employed by your local authority who are trained in assessing your physical health needs. They specialise in helping people manage their daily life and to live independently.

  One Vision Housing can make referrals to an Occupational Therapist on your behalf, or you can request an assessment through your local authority.

• What happens when I request an assessment from an Occupational Therapist?

  An Occupational Therapist will make an appointment to come to your home and assess your needs. 

  If they think that changes can be made to your home which will help you to live more independently, they will send us a report recommending the adaptations that might help you.

  If they request a major adaptation to your home, we will need to visit your home to assess whether their recommendations are possible.

• Am I eligible for adaptations?

  Eligibility criteria is set out in our Aids and Adaptations Policy. 

  We carefully consider all applications, however, in a small number of cases we may decide not to adapt for one of the following reasons:

  • The property is under-occupied, for example, a single person living in a three-bedroom house
  • The property might be unsuitable for adaptation
  • The adaptations would make the property less suitable for future residents
  • Rent arrears exist on account in excess of four weeks or £500
  • An alternative adapted property is offered and refused
• What happens if my home cannot be adapted?

  If your home cannot be adapted, we will explain this to you and discuss other options.

  In some circumstances, it may be possible to meet your needs in other ways, like arranging a transfer to a more suitable home.

• Is there a cost for aids and adaptations?

  One Vision Housing will usually fund adaptations, however, you may need to apply for the Disabled Facilities Grant. We will discuss this with you during your assessment.

• How long will a major adaptation take?

  We may need to order specialist bespoke equipment depending on the request from your Occupational Therapist. This may delay the completion of the works. If this affects your adaptation request, we will keep you informed.

• Who maintains the adaptation?

  We will maintain any aids or adaptations that we have put in place for you.

• Are there any other sources of help for aids and adaptations?

  Your local authority provides a Community Equipment Service where you may be able to borrow various equipment ranging from cutlery to stair lifts.

• Quick links to local services

  Local authority aid

  Sefton

  • Request an Occupational Therapist assessment
  • Request Community Equipment Service
  • Information on Disabled Facilities Grants

  Liverpool

  • Request an Occupational Therapist assessment
  • Request Community Equipment Service
  • Information on Disabled Facilities Grants 

  Wirral 

  • Request an Occupational Therapist assessment
  • Request Community Equipment Service
  • Information on Disabled Facilities Grants

  St Helens

  • Request an Occupational Therapist assessment
  • Request Community Equipment Service

  Warrington

  • Request an Occupational Therapist assessment
  • Request Community Equipment Service
  • Information on Disabled Facilities Grants

  Knowsley

  • Request Community Equipment Service
  • Information on Disabled Facilities Grants

  Cheshire East

  • Request an Occupational Therapist assessment
  • Request Community Equipment Service
  • Information on Disabled Facilities Grants

  Cheshire West

  • Request Community Equipment Service
  • Information on Disabled Facilities Grants

  West Lancashire 

  • Request an Occupational Therapist assessment
  • Request Community Equipment Service
  • Information on Disabled Facilities Grants

  Preston

  • Request an Occupational Therapist assessment
  • Request Community Equipment Service
  • Information on Disabled Facilities Grants 

  Chorley

  • Request an Occupational Therapist assessment
  • Request Community Equipment Service
  • Information on Disabled Facilities Grants

  Fylde

  • Request an Occupational Therapist assessment
  • Request Community Equipment Service