Adaptations Process for Your Home
Adaptations are similar to alterations and improvements. However, while alterations and improvements aren’t typically fundable, BHA can access external funding to adapt homes for customers with mobility challenges, long-term illnesses, or disabilities.
Common adaptations include converting an over-bath shower into a walk-in wet floor shower, which eliminates the need to step up, or installing ramps. If you’re experiencing difficulties that limit your enjoyment of your home, we may be able to offer a solution through the adaptations process. Please note that these works must involve a permanent physical change to your property, and you’ll need a referral from a professional familiar with your situation. In most cases, this will be an Occupational Therapist, who you can access via the Scottish Borders Council.
Once you have your referral, please provide it to BHA at info@berwickshirehousing.org.uk. We will forward your request to our partner organisation, Care and Repair Borders. They specialise in adaptations and will manage your request from start to finish. This includes arranging an initial visit to assess the required work, getting a contractor to price and carry out the work, and helping BHA secure the grant from the Scottish Government. If you encounter any problems obtaining a referral, please speak with your Neighbourhood Manager.
We will do our best to support you in securing a referral or explaining why this may not be possible. In some cases, your property may not be suitable for long-term adaptations, but we can discuss alternative options with you. As adaptation work is fully funded, the amount of work we can carry out each year is limited. However, we encourage anyone in need to begin the process, as additional funding may become available on short notice.