Minor Adaptations and Low Level Equipment
This procedure should be used by social care practitioners to order low level equipment or arrange a minor adaptation:
- Occupational Therapists;
- Occupational Therapy Assistants;
- Anyone trained as a Trusted Assessor (TA).
Minor adaptations are those that are easily installed and do not require structural changes to the home.
Examples can include:
- Grab rails and stair rails;
- Provision of additional lighting;
- Concrete steps, grab rails outside the property.
The Orbitas Handyperson Service delivers minor adaptations such as grab rails, hand rails and key safes on behalf of the Council; they can also carry out other small repairs at affordable rates.
Low level equipment is a small piece of non-specialist equipment that can prevent, reduce, delay or meet a need and includes equipment to help people get in and out of a chair, bed or bath. Low level equipment is prescribed via the prescriber portal.
Under Section 14 of the Care Act it is not lawful to charge for equipment or minor adaptations costing under £1000.
Most minor adaptations and low level equipment can be accessed via the Local Authority Social Care services, and, in some cases, via the Housing Standards and Adaptations (Care & Repair) service and some are provided by the community or partner organisations, such as health.
Note: Equipment to move around does not include walking aids which must be assessed by a Physiotherapist.
AskSARA is a useful tool from the Disabled Living Foundation with advice and information about products that make daily living easier.
For more information about home repairs and adaptations, see Care and Repair.
For further guidance, please refer to Local Resources area.
Last Updated: May 23, 2023
v15
