There are various types of adaptations which can support you to continuing living independently at home these can be small adaptations such as:  

• grab rails around the bath, shower, toilet or elsewhere 
• additional stair rails 
• small steps to doors 

These adaptations usually cost less than £1,000 and can be installed relatively quickly by a friend or relative or a local handyman.  

Building work adaptions to your home

You may want to consider undertaking significant building works to change the layout of your property. This could include: 

• widening doorways so that you can use a wheelchair 
• replacing your bath or shower unit with a level-access shower 
• adding a downstairs toilet or bathroom or bedroom so that you don't have to keep using the stairs 
• installing low-level kitchen units 

To make these changes you will need advice from qualified builders on what to do. 

If you currently rent your home you will need permission from your landlord before making any changes.  

Adaptations can be made to your home which can support you to continue living independently.

Examples include:

• grab rails around the bath, shower, toilet or elsewhere 
• additional handrails for the stairs 
• small steps outside external doors

These adaptations are usually low cost and can be installed relatively quickly by a friend or relative or a local handyman. To find local companies that could help with adaptions to your home see our Community Services Directory.

If you are not sure what adaptations you need, we may be able to help. You can Adult Self Assessment.

You may benefit from an assessment undertaken by an Occupational Therapist (OT). In Worcestershire OT services related to housing are provided by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust. For more information visit Occupational Therapy.

The OT may make a referral for the adaptation to your home to be paid for and completed by our Minor Adaptations Service. This service is provided on behalf of the Council by Age UK Wyvern. More information about Age UK Wyvern’s services can be found at Age UK Wyvern.

You and your family may be able to pay for the adaptations you need privately, this will generally be quicker and give you more choice and control.  

If you need financial support Worcestershire County Council may be able to help. However, there will be limits to what we can do. Visit eligibility and assessments.

For larger adaptations you may be eligible for support from Disabled Facilities Grant if you're disabled or have a long-term health condition and need to make changes to your home. 

This grant could be used to:  

• widen doors and install ramps
• improve access to rooms and facilities - such as stairlifts or a downstairs bathroom
• provide a heating system suitable for your needs
• adapt heating or lighting controls to make them easier to use 

You can apply for this grant through the district council in which you live:  

• Disability Funding Grants - Worcester City Council
• Disabled Facilities Grants – Redditch Borough Council
• Disabled Facilities Grants - Bromsgrove District Council
• Disabled facilities grants (DFG) - Wyre Forest District Council 
• Disabled Facilities Grants - Wychavon District Council
• Disabled Facilities Grants - Malvern Hills District Council