Adaptations
We’re here to help customers stay independent and comfortable in their homes. We support people with physical and sensory needs by offering home adaptations that make everyday life easier.
We work closely with tenants, local councils, and other organisations to make sure our adaptations service is accessible and effective. Whether it's changes to your current home or helping you move to a more suitable one, our aim is to help you stay in a home that meets your needs.
We’ll support you through the application process and look at all the options available. We won’t unreasonably refuse requests for adaptations, and we’ll always do our best to meet your needs.
Timescales
Adaptation timescales vary depending on where you live:
Shropshire Council
- Minor adaptations: usually completed within 1 month.
- Larger works (over £500): within 3 months.
- Eligibility checks and applications may take up to 15 weeks.
Find out more here
Staffordshire
- Minor changes may take a few days to a few weeks.
- Major adaptations (like kitchens or bathrooms) can take several weeks to 6 months.
- There may be waiting lists, depending on demand and funding.
Find out more about South Staffordshire here
Find out more about Staffordshire Borough Council here
Find out more about Staffordshire County Council here
Telford & Wrekin
Funded support is available for minor and major adaptations, following an occupational therapy (OT) assessment.
Approximate timescales:
- Lever taps, grab rails, half steps: within 1 month
- Small ramps: within 1 month
- Larger ramps (over £500): within 3 months
- Minor works needing OT assessment: up to 3 months
Find out more about Telford & Wrekin Council here
What is an Adaptation?
An adaptation is a change made to your home to help you live more easily and independently. This could be things like access ramps, walk-in showers, handrails, or other features that support your daily routine. If your current home doesn’t meet your needs, we’ll help find a solution—either by adapting your home or helping you move to one that’s more suitable.
Minor and Major Adaptations
Minor adaptations: Simple changes like grab rails, stair rails, or lever taps. These are usually quick to install (within 7 days) and are often arranged and funded by us.
Major adaptations: Bigger changes like level access showers or large ramps. These usually need a referral to the Local Authority (LA) Occupational Therapy (OT) team. The LA manages and funds the work, and we’ll keep you updated and work closely with them to make sure things run smoothly.
How We Help
We’ll support you throughout the process of applying for adaptations. Here’s what we do:
Referral and Assessment
If you get in touch about an adaptation, we’ll review your request and, if needed, arrange a visit. During the assessment, we will:
- Look at what changes would help you most
- Explore other options if they could work better
- Make sure you get clear advice and support
- Help decide whether it’s best to adapt your home or move to a more suitable one
How to Apply
You can apply in several ways:
- Call us: 01952 217100
- Visit one of our hubs
- Ask your Occupational Therapist to apply (contact your Local Authority)
- Speak to your Retirement Living Co-ordinator (if in Retirement Living)
- Talk to your Housing Officer
- Email us at ableliving@wrekin.com
We’ll always consider your request seriously and won’t unreasonably refuse permission for adaptations. Our aim is to help find the best solution for your needs.
Working with Local Authorities and Other Organisations
Getting the right adaptations often involves working with local authorities and other support services. At Wrekin, we work closely with local council teams, especially Occupational Therapists (OTs), to help you access the support you need.
We also work with a range of local and national organisations, including: (all linked)
Local Support
National Organisations with Local Support
- Disabled Living Foundation (DLF)
- Disability Rights UK – offers advice and legal support for disabled people and landlords under the Equality Act 2010
- Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB)
We’re committed to working with all the right partners to make sure you get the support and services you need.
Allocating Suitable Homes
We use information about our homes to make sure they are safe, well-maintained, and meet individual needs. When possible, we prioritise allocating homes that are already adapted or designed to suit specific requirements.
We also work with our development team to build new homes that support a range of needs. If your current home isn’t suitable, we’ll help explore other options, including moving to more appropriate accommodation.
Additional Services
If adapting your current home isn’t possible, we offer other support options:
- Assisted Move Scheme – Help with urgent moves, including packing and removals.
- Retirement Living & ShireLiving – Housing options for customers over 55.
- WATCH Alarm Service – 24/7 assistive technology, including pendant alarms and key safes, to help you stay safe at home.
- Hospital Discharge Support – If you’re returning home from hospital and need adaptations, we can help get things in place quickly.
Contact Us
For advice or to apply for an adaptation, get in touch:
Phone: 01952 217128
Email: adaptations@wrekin.com
Post: Adaptations Team, Old Park, Colliers Way, Telford, TF3 4AW