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{{org_field_name}}

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

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Home Adaptations and Mobility Equipment Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that {{org_field_name}} effectively manages home adaptations and mobility equipment for service users, enabling them to live safely and independently in their own homes. Home adaptations and mobility aids play a crucial role in enhancing safety, preventing falls, and promoting independence for individuals receiving domiciliary care.

This policy ensures that:

• Service users receive timely access to appropriate home adaptations and mobility aids.
• Home environments are assessed for safety, accessibility, and mobility requirements.
• Staff understand their responsibilities in assisting, maintaining, and reporting any concerns regarding mobility aids.
• All equipment and adaptations comply with Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) regulations, health and safety legislation, and best practice guidelines.

This policy aligns with:

• The Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016.
• The Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014, ensuring individuals receive the support necessary to maintain independence.
• The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, ensuring safe working conditions for staff and service users.
• The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992, ensuring safe handling of mobility aids and equipment.
• The Equality Act 2010, ensuring accessibility and reasonable adjustments for individuals with disabilities.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• All employees of {{org_field_name}}, including care staff, supervisors, and managers.
• All service users receiving domiciliary care, particularly those requiring mobility support.
• Families, occupational therapists, and healthcare professionals involved in assessing and implementing adaptations.

This policy covers:

• Assessment of home adaptations and mobility equipment needs.
• Installation, use, and maintenance of mobility aids.
• Staff training and competency in using mobility equipment.
• Reporting and replacing faulty or unsuitable equipment.
• Collaboration with external agencies for specialist adaptations.

3. Policy Statement

{{org_field_name}} is committed to ensuring that service users receive safe, effective, and personalised support with mobility equipment and home adaptations. Our approach focuses on:

• Maximising independence and dignity through appropriate support.
• Ensuring home environments are safe and accessible.
• Working in partnership with local authorities, healthcare professionals, and equipment suppliers to facilitate necessary adaptations.
• Providing staff with the skills and knowledge to support service users effectively.

4. Managing Home Adaptations and Mobility Equipment Efficiently

4.1. Identifying and Assessing Needs

Every service user’s mobility and accessibility needs will be assessed upon initial care planning and regularly reviewed. This involves:

• A detailed home environment risk assessment, identifying hazards such as narrow doorways, steps, or slippery floors.
• Assessment by an occupational therapist (OT) for individuals requiring specialist adaptations.
• Consultation with the service user, family, and healthcare professionals to determine needs and preferences.
• Ensuring recommendations align with CIW standards for safety and accessibility.

Findings from assessments will be documented in the service user’s personal care plan and updated whenever mobility needs change.

4.2. Types of Home Adaptations and Mobility Equipment

Home adaptations and mobility aids may include:

Minor Adaptations (Low-cost, quick installations)

• Grab rails in bathrooms and hallways.
• Lever taps for easier use.
• Non-slip flooring and threshold ramps.

Major Adaptations (Larger structural changes)

• Stairlifts and through-floor lifts.
• Widened doorways for wheelchair access.
• Accessible bathrooms (walk-in showers, adapted toilets).

Mobility Equipment

• Walking aids (frames, rollators, crutches).
• Wheelchairs and powered mobility scooters.
• Hoists and transfer aids for safe movement.
• Adjustable beds and riser-recliner chairs.

4.3. Requesting and Implementing Adaptations

If adaptations are required, {{org_field_name}} will:

• Refer service users to occupational therapy or the local authority for an assessment.
• Support applications for Disabled Facilities Grants (DFG) where financial assistance is needed.
• Liaise with equipment suppliers and contractors to ensure timely installation of adaptations.
• Ensure minimal disruption to the service user’s routine during installation.

Staff will monitor progress and update care plans accordingly once adaptations are in place.

4.4. Safe Use and Maintenance of Equipment

To ensure equipment is used correctly and safely, {{org_field_name}} will:

• Provide clear instructions and demonstrations for service users and carers.
• Train staff in safe manual handling and equipment operation.
• Schedule regular equipment checks to ensure safety and functionality.
• Report and arrange repairs or replacements for faulty or damaged equipment.

4.5. Staff Training and Competency

All staff involved in assisting with mobility equipment will receive:

• Mandatory training on handling mobility aids safely.
• Practical demonstrations on using hoists, wheelchairs, and other equipment.
• Annual refresher training to ensure continued competency.
• Guidance on recognising when adaptations may be required.

Staff must never attempt to use equipment they have not been trained to operate and must always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.

4.6. Reporting and Replacing Faulty Equipment

If equipment is faulty or unsafe, staff must:

• Immediately stop using the equipment and ensure the service user is safe.
• Report the issue to the Registered Manager and relevant external agency (e.g., supplier or NHS equipment service).
• Arrange for urgent repairs or a replacement where required.
• Document the issue in the service user’s care records.

If an adaptation is no longer suitable, a new assessment will be arranged to identify alternative solutions.

4.7. Working with External Agencies

Where specialist assessments, funding, or installation services are needed, {{org_field_name}} will collaborate with:

• Local authority occupational therapists for home adaptation assessments.
• Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) teams to secure financial support for eligible service users.
• NHS and private suppliers of mobility aids and equipment.
• Care and Repair Cymru or similar home adaptation services.

Effective communication with external agencies ensures that service users receive timely and appropriate adaptations.

5. Related Policies

This policy aligns with:

• Risk Management and Assessment Policy (DCW18) – Covering home safety assessments.
• Health and Safety at Work Policy (DCW16) – Ensuring staff and service users remain safe when using mobility aids.
• Safe Care and Treatment Policy (DCW11) – Covering risk prevention and emergency procedures.
• Moving and Handling Policy (DCW37) – Ensuring staff assist service users safely.
• Dignity and Respect Policy (DCW08) – Ensuring adaptations promote independence and dignity.

6. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if required due to:

• Changes in CIW regulations or best practice guidance.
• Feedback from service users or staff identifying improvement areas.
• New developments in mobility equipment and home adaptation technology.

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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.