Housing for disabled people

Amenity and adapted homes are designed to make daily living safer and easier if you have a disability, health condition or reduced mobility. This page explains what amenity housing is, how your home can be adapted, and how to get help or advice if you need support now or in the future.

What is amenity housing?

Amenity housing is built or adapted for people who may find standard housing difficult to manage. It is often suitable for:

• older people
• people with physical disabilities
• people with limited mobility
• wheelchair users

These homes include features that make everyday tasks easier and safer.

Features you can expect

Amenity properties usually include:

• raised electrical sockets
• lowered light switches
• handrails in bathrooms
• non‑slip bathroom flooring

If you want to know where amenity properties are located, contact your local area housing office.

Equipment and adaptations for your home

If you are struggling to move around your home, we may be able to adapt it to meet your needs. You will first need an assessment by an occupational therapist. They will:

• assess your needs
• agree what equipment or adaptations would help
• pass the details to our repairs centre

You can find more information on our equipment, adaptations and occupational therapy page. You can also contact your local social work office for advice.

Timescales for adaptations

After your assessment, our repairs centre will contact you to arrange the work.

• Small adaptations are usually completed within 7 working days if you are waiting to leave hospital
• Other adaptations are usually completed within 28 working days
• Larger adaptations may take longer

Who pays for the work?

• If you are a council or housing association tenant, your landlord will carry out the work
• If you are a homeowner or private tenant, you may be able to apply for a grant of 80% to 100% of the cost, depending on your income

Moving to a more suitable home

Sometimes adapting your current home may not be the best option. If this is the case, your local housing office can advise you about moving to a more suitable property.

You can also view wider housing and support options on our Housing options for older people page.

Take action

• Contact your local area housing office to ask about amenity homes
• Request an occupational therapy assessment
• Find out if you can get a grant for adaptations