Funding Adaptations and Equipment (DFG)

Our Social Care Occupational Therapy Services (SCOTS) can carry out an assessment with you, if you feel your home needs adapting. They can also provide community equipment on loan from Medequip.

To make a referral to Social Care Occupational Therapy Services (SCOTS) please call the contact centre on 0800 561 0015. The contact team may be able to provide information on small aids and adaptations that can help you in your home by completing the self-assessment app. You can access the self-assessment app independently by clicking on the Technology to help you button below. If appropriate the contact centre will send your information to SCOTS who will contact you to gain further information.

Equipment to make life easier, day-to-day

Please use our new self-assessment app by clicking on the Technology to help you button below

Struggling to use AskSARA?, maybe a friend, neighbour or family member could help, alternatively call 0800 561 0015 and our call centre staff will be able to help.

Minor adaptations

We fund simple changes such as grab rails, handrails and half-steps that make it safer and easier for you to use your home. Our SCOTS team will need to carry out an assessment with you, this can be done in the home (COVID rules permitting), over the phone or virtual if you have the technology.

Major adaptations

You can request an assessment for adaptations to your home, such as ramps, level access showers and stair lifts. You will require a functional assessment from one of our Occupational Therapists who will make recommendations to meet your long-term needs. If major adaptations are recommended and approved these would be funded via a Disabled Facilities Grant (Please see 'How will the adaptations to my property be funded?' below for further information.)

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make a referral?
To make a referral to Social Care Occupational Therapy Services (SCOTS) please call the contact centre on 0800 561 0015.

What will SCOTS assess for?
We provide an assessment of adult's and children's where by a long-term condition or disability significantly impacts on their wellbeing in accordance with the Care Act 2014.

Where appropriate we will provide equipment on loan, minor adaptations and make recommendations for major adaptations. We also provide advice and will demonstrate use of equipment where appropriate, for example; moving and handling.

What can't SCOTS assess for?

Wheelchairs – contact your GP for a new assessment if you require a repair or review of your current wheelchair. If you require a new assessment contact OP care
Walking aids - Contact your GP for referral to Physiotherapy.
Acute health conditions, hospital discharges or rehabilitation - please contact your GP for a referral to Community Occupational Therapy.
Re-housing - if you would like to make a housing or re-housing application please contact the Housing Advice and Support Team on 01782 233696 or housing.adviceservices@stoke.gov.uk.
Recurrent falls or balance issues - Contact your GP for a referral to the Falls Team.
Repairs and breakdowns – if you have a ceiling track hoist, stair lift, vertical lift, step lift or a clos-o-mat toilet and your equipment has broken down and is under warranty, please ring the number of the supplier (usually on the equipment).
Repairs and breakdowns – if your equipment is out of warranty and you are on our Maintenance & Insurance scheme, please ring 01782 234100 for council tenants and 0121 559 2260 if you own your own property, or rent (non council).
Equipment on loan - If your equipment has broken or you no longer require it please contact medequip direct on 01785 273950 to arrange repair/replacement or collection.

What happens next?
If your referral is appropriate for SCOTS, we will take a referral over the phone. We might be able to agree solutions and actions at this point. But if we decide you need further support, we'll place you on our waiting list for a home visit or complete a virtual assessment if you have access to technology. If we identify your needs as urgent, we will prioritise your home assessment.

How long will it take before I get an assessment?
We receive 60 to 80 referrals a week and decide how quickly they will be seen based on the person's medical condition, what they need help with and whether there is any risk of injury to the person or their carer. As we cannot predict the types of referrals that we receive, we cannot give people an idea of when they will be seen. However, if you feel that your condition has changed or your needs have increased, then please contact us and we will look again at your request. You can also explore this website if you would like to look into organising help yourself. If you no longer need our service, then please let us know.

How will the adaptations to my property be funded?

Can my council property be adapted?
Adaptations to council properties are funded by the council and a disabled facilities grant is not applicable. Therefore, the process is slightly different. If the property is over or under occupied for example a single person or couple in a family home then a decision will be made at an options appraisal meeting, if there is more suitable accommodation available in the area, or the adaptations are not practicable then the works would be unlikely to be carried out but an offer to transfer to a suitable property would be made.
Apply for a council house

I have been assessed as needing a major adaptation, who do I contact now?
If you have already had an occupational therapy assessment and are awaiting major adaptations and have a query regarding start dates, amendments or a general query please contact the Housing Assistance and Adaptations Team on 01782 232008 if you are a council tenant or 01782 236987 if you own your home, or are in private rented or housing association accommodation.

What should I do if I wish to self-fund my adaptations?
If you wish to self-fund repairs, improvements or adaptations to your home and require support with selecting contractors and ensuring that any adaptations will meet your needs please contact hello@thisisrevival.org.uk or call 0333 014 3389.

If you no longer need our service, please let us know.