Supporting you with adaptations to your home
We want to help our residents to be happy and feel comfortable in their own homes by making adaptations to the property to allow them to live independently based upon their individual specific needs. Adaptations are defined as either minor or major dependent upon their cost and complexity. All major adaptations can only be undertaken on the advice of, and referral from, an Occupational Therapist (OT) from Oxfordshire County Council. To provide our tenants, and people living with them, with a better and speedier service, Soha directly funds an Oxfordshire County Council OT and OT coordinator.
Minor adaptations
Minor works are any adaptations where the cost including VAT is less than £2,000. These are funded directly by Soha. Some examples of items that might be considered as minor adaptations are shown below:
If you would like us to consider a minor adaptation please let us know either by visiting our offices, calling us at no cost to you on 0800 014 15 45 (Freephone), or emailing us dfg@soha.co.uk . We can then advise you whether we can carry it out ourselves or whether the works require an OT referral. The access team occupational therapists can be contacted on 0345 050 7666.
Major adaptations
Major adaptations are any repairs with a cost including VAT of over £2000. All major adaptations require to be funded through a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) which are provided by South Oxfordshire District Council and Vale of White Horse District Council. Some examples of items that might be considered as major adaptations are shown below:
Applying for major adaptations
The process starts with a referral to an Occupational Therapist who will assess your specific individual needs and make a recommendation to us. Our Technical officer specialising in DFG works will then arrange to visit you in your home to complete the necessary forms and measure up to prepare a specification and plan for the works. Some more complex plans might need to be drawn by an architect and therefore might increase the time taken. Your Occupational Therapist will approve plans drawn up, and we can then obtain quotes from contractors as necessary. Depending on value, prices will be subject to quotation or a full tender. Extensions may also require planning consent. Once we have all this information, we can apply for funding. Our staff will be on hand at all times to help you through the process.
Other services we can provide to help
Handyperson Service – If you need help with some basic DIY and you are over 70 and living in your own home, our handyperson service can help. Our handyperson can put up shelves, fix your broken doorbell, clear gardens or put together some flat pack furniture. Contact us to find out more about this service
Disability Action and Awareness Group – The Disability Action and Awareness Group (DAAG) represents the interests of Soha’s disabled residents. By putting forward the views of disabled people it contributes to the continuous improvement of Soha’s services. Please contact us for more information.
We can help signpost you to the access team to assist with your care needs
We can help signpost to the sensory impairment team
Our offices are also fully accessible so feel free to pop in to discuss any of your needs