Housing LIN and RCOT release Adaptations without Delay

The Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT) has updated its guide to home adaptations for people with disabilities and older people.

Adaptations Without Delay is the successor to the RCOT’s 2006 report Minor Adaptations Without Delay.

Written by Dr Rachel Russell of the University of Salford, Marney Walker, an independent Occupational Therapist, and Ian Copeman and Jeremy Porteus of the Housing Learning and Improvement Network (Housing LIN), the report is intended to be used by practitioners and organisations across the UK who may be contacted by disabled and older people and their families who are seeking advice or support with home adaptations.

Adaptations Without Delay

The benefits of adapting the home are recognised as an effective way to improve the health and wellbeing of older people, and disabled adults and children. A more accessible home environment can improve independence, reduce risk and reduce reliance on assistance. As the body of evidence demonstrating the benefits of home adaptations grows, so does the recognition that the sooner they are installed, the greater will be the preventative benefits.

The primary purpose of this guide is to address delays in the delivery of all types of adaptations (minor and major) across all tenures that occur when people receive a disproportionate response to their need for an adaptation. Delays in installing adaptations can increase the risk of health and social care needs developing or increasing. A person waiting for an occupational therapy assessment where the situation and need for an adaptation is relatively simple and straightforward should therefore be avoided.

Role of the Housing LIN

Across the UK there continue to be delays in the delivery of minor and major adaptations across all housing tenures. In recognition of this continuing issue, in 2017 the RCOT commissioned the Housing LIN to conduct a UK-wide review of Minor adaptations without delay (2006), which was focused on enabling housing associations to provide minor adaptations without the need for an occupational therapy assessment, and to identify whether a new version was required.

Jeremy Porteus, founder and Chief Executive of the Housing LIN said:

“The importance of adaptations to improving the quality of life of older people and people with disabilities cannot be overstated.

“This report provides clear guidance for identifying needs, and identifying solutions for those needs. While there is a clear need for more specialist housing, adaptations can allow people with long-term conditions to stay in their current homes, improve quality of life, and can be a cost-effective alternative to new-build housing for local authorities and housing providers.

“Our aim is that this report will be the go-to reference for everyone working with older people and people with disabilities, from occupational therapists and health professionals, to commissioners, civil servants and politicians”.

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