Meeting physical disability needs

We worked with a Local Authority to renovate a bungalow for an individual moving from a residential setting. The potential tenant was unable to share with others and needed housing adaptations to meet her physical needs.  The individual’s Social Worker had been unable to find anywhere within the whole county that would meet her client’s needs and the budgetary constraints in respect of care costs and housing benefit.

The TPSA team rose to the meet the project demands introducing an innovative and holistic tenant centred approach which integrated the services providing specialist support to tenants. A single person bungalow was sourced.

As no physiotherapy services had assessed the individual concerned our team found an appropriate OT professional  to work with TPSA’s Development Team to ensure that not only their physical needs were met, but the home would be future proofed.  Formal designs were drawn up and shared with the relevant local council departments to seek approval.

Adaptation work was vast: the whole house was changed to incorporate a large entrance, large bedroom, wet room, lounge, staff sleep over room and separate toilet; all entrances were ramped and fire precautionary measures were added, including fire doors, a hard wire smoke detection system and appropriate fire fighting equipment.

While the works progressed a nominated housing procurement officer met with the Tenant to agree furniture, colour schemes and floor coverings.  From afar the Tenant was able to put their own personal touch to their home.

To compliment the design and ensure maximum householder participation, a low level work surface was built into the kitchen.

One of the main requirements of social services was to develop a support model which could find cost savings as the client became more independent i.e. the ability to reduce care hours.   As there was another supported living property in close proximity TPSA  researched assistive technology solutions that could achieve these ends.  A bracelet device was chosen which would allow a person to summon assistance from the neighbouring property.  It also had the ability to be linked up to a door entry system.  Therefore, if someone wished to gain entry, the resident could speak to the guest and press the button on the wrist band to release the front door.  This technology would prove to be invaluable to an individual who could not self propel themselves in a wheelchair.

Following the resolution of a few snagging issues the new tenant moved into their home.  They were to settle very quickly, using one simple word to describe their home and relocation experience, ‘beautiful!

To find out more please contact Richie Healy, Business Development Manager on 07841462246 or email

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