Aids and Adaptations for Council Tenants
For some people to remain independent in their own homes it may be necessary to obtain advice on the provision of certain types of equipment or adaptations to their homes
These can range from additional hand/grab rails or bath seats to showers, stairlifts or ramping, and in exceptional circumstances extensions.
Welwyn Hatfield Council can provide some aids and adaptations to tenants free of charge. Grab rails and additional banister (mop stick) rails can be ordered direct from our repairs department. They can be requested by the tenant themselves, or by their family or a statutory agency on their behalf. Telephone our repairs team on 0800 111 4484.
For any other aid or adaptation we will need a referral from an Occupational Therapist.
The Occupational Therapists are based at Hertfordshire County Council. You will need to contact them to request an appointment for an OT to visit you to carry out an assessment of your needs. Telephone 01438 737 400. The lines are open between 8.00am-8.00pm Monday to Friday, and 9.00am-4.00pm on Saturdays.
If the Occupational Therapist assesses that an adaptation is needed a referral is made for the work to be done. Referrals are sent to our Welfare Officers who pass the work in priority order to our Surveyor.
The Surveyor then arranges a home visit to do a detailed feasibility study and inspection before works can begin. Depending on the nature and extent of the adaptations, the length of the process varies but all works are inspected once complete to make sure they meet the requirements and the tenant is satisfied.
What kind of aids and adaptations can we consider?
- Showers
- Ramping
- Handrails
- Lever taps
- Lifts
- Room conversions or extensions
Works not normally funded by the Borough Council's Welfare Budget
- Outside water taps
- Ramping at both the front and back of the property - only ramping either to the front or to the back can be undertaken
- Radiator covers or similar
- Specialist equipment - non fixed
- Scooter stores/sheds (unless as part of pre-programmed works)
- Individual back garden paths
- Security lighting
Follow this link for information on aids and adaptations for people who are not Council tenants.