DC150-Home Adaptations and Mobility Equipment Policy

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

Home Adaptations and Mobility Equipment Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to establish a structured approach to assessing, implementing, and managing home adaptations and mobility equipment for service users within {{org_field_name}}. Ensuring that individuals can safely navigate their living spaces enhances independence, well-being, and quality of life while reducing the risk of falls, injuries, and other health complications.

This policy ensures compliance with Care Quality Commission (CQC) Fundamental Standards, the Care Act 2014, the Equality Act 2010, and Health and Safety Executive (HSE) regulations, ensuring that service users receive safe, person-centred, and effective support.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

All service users who require home adaptations or mobility equipment to enhance accessibility and safety.
Care staff, managers, and occupational therapists involved in assessments and equipment provision.
Third-party contractors, equipment providers, and local authority partners responsible for installation and maintenance.
Families and caregivers assisting in the adaptation process.

It covers:

Assessment of service user needs.
Types of home adaptations and mobility equipment.
Funding and financial support options.
Installation, maintenance, and servicing.
Staff training and compliance monitoring.
Safety and risk management.

3. Legal and Regulatory Framework

This policy aligns with:

Care Quality Commission (CQC) Fundamental Standards – Ensuring safety, effectiveness, and responsiveness in care services.
Care Act 2014 – Establishing the legal duty to assess and provide home adaptations.
Equality Act 2010 – Ensuring accessibility and non-discrimination.
Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 – Protecting service users and staff in home environments.
Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 – Ensuring safe use of mobility aids and equipment.

4. Assessment of Service User Needs

Initial Assessments: Conducted by occupational therapists (OTs), care managers, or social workers to determine necessary adaptations or mobility aids.
Person-Centred Approach: Service user input and preferences are prioritised to maintain dignity and independence.
Risk Assessments: Evaluating fall risks, accessibility barriers, and specific mobility challenges in the home environment.
Ongoing Reassessments: Periodic reviews to ensure adaptations remain suitable as needs change.

5. Types of Home Adaptations and Mobility Equipment

{{org_field_name}} supports the provision of:

Minor Adaptations:
- Grab rails, ramps, handrails.
- Non-slip flooring, door widening.
- Lever taps, raised toilet seats.
Major Adaptations:
- Stairlifts, through-floor lifts.
- Accessible bathrooms (walk-in showers, wet rooms).
- Kitchen adaptations (adjustable counters, wheelchair-accessible spaces).
Mobility Equipment:
- Wheelchairs, walking frames, hoists, pressure-relieving mattresses.
- Adjustable beds, transfer aids, standing aids.
- Hearing and visual assistance technologies.

6. Funding and Financial Support Options

{{org_field_name}} assists service users in accessing financial support, including:

Disabled Facilities Grants (DFG): Local authority grants for home adaptations.
Personal Budgets and Direct Payments: Funding available under the Care Act 2014.
NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC): Covering equipment needs for eligible individuals.
Charitable and Community Grants: Accessing non-governmental funding sources.

7. Installation, Maintenance, and Servicing

Approved Contractors: All adaptations and equipment installations are carried out by certified professionals.
Regular Inspections: Routine maintenance schedules ensure ongoing safety and functionality.
Emergency Repairs: Service users are provided with 24/7 support contacts for urgent issues.
Service Agreements: Contracts outlining maintenance responsibilities for long-term equipment use.

8. Staff Training and Compliance Monitoring

Mandatory Training: Care staff receive specialist training in the safe use of mobility aids and adapted home environments.
Competency Assessments: Regular evaluations of staff knowledge and handling of equipment.
Compliance Audits: Periodic reviews to ensure all home adaptations meet CQC and HSE safety standards.

9. Safety and Risk Management

Pre-Installation Safety Checks: Ensuring that modifications do not introduce new hazards.
Post-Installation Assessments: Confirming that adaptations function correctly and safely.
Incident Reporting: Any equipment malfunctions, accidents, or user difficulties are logged and investigated promptly.
Emergency Response Plan: Clear guidance for responding to mobility aid failures or home adaptation hazards.

10. Monitoring and Continuous Improvement

To ensure high-quality service delivery, {{org_field_name}}:

Conducts annual reviews of adaptation policies and equipment provision.
Seeks service user feedback on adaptation effectiveness.
Updates procedures based on CQC inspection findings and best practices.
Engages in multi-agency collaboration to enhance service quality.

11. Policy Review and Updates

This policy is reviewed annually or sooner if:

There are legislative or regulatory changes affecting home adaptations.
Service user needs or feedback indicate improvements are required.
CQC, local authority, or health and safety audits recommend updates.

12. Conclusion

By implementing this Home Adaptations and Mobility Equipment Policy, {{org_field_name}} ensures that service users can live safely and independently in their own homes. Through assessments, funding support, professional installations, staff training, and ongoing monitoring, we uphold high standards of care, safety, and accessibility, ensuring compliance with CQC and regulatory requirements while prioritising the needs and dignity of those we support.

Responsible Person: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}
Reviewed on: {{last_update_date}}
Next Review Date: {{next_review_date}}
Copyright © {{current_year}} – {{org_field_name}}. All rights reserved.