Adapting your home - for disabled and older people

Adaptations are changes to your home to make it easier and safer to manage everyday tasks. These can be simple or major changes.

Simple adaptations

These types of adaptations need little change to the structure of your home. They can include:

grab rails or banisters
small ramps and half steps
rails at the steps to your main door

To find out more see Handyperson schemes.

Major adaptations

These are more complex and will often mean a change to the structure of your home. An occupational therapist will design them to meet your long-term needs. They can include:

widening doorways so you can use a wheelchair
stairlifts or through-floor lifts
replacing bath or shower unit with a walk-in level access shower
helping you to go out and about by installing a ramp
changing your kitchen so that you can make use of it

Find out about major adaptations

Handyperson schemes in Surrey

District and borough councils in Surrey commission handyperson services. They carry out simple adaptations.

Anyone living in Surrey can apply for these services. This includes if you:

own your home
rent your home

Charges vary depending upon local council's policy. Some works may be free. This includes those which prevent falls and accidents such as installing grab rails.

How to apply

Your council will prioritise work according to need. Urgent changes may be fast-tracked, for example if you need adaptations before you can leave hospital.

Contact your local council using the links below:

You can also make private arrangements. Trading Standards local schemes can help you find a recommended:

local decorator
handyperson
plumber
electrician
builder

Home Equipment Finder

Search our online equipment catalogue for ideas to help you stay well and independent at home.