Adapt your home for disability

Funding

We will always consider equipment before suggesting adaptations to your home. If you can manage safely with equipment we will not fund adaptations. 

We will carry out an assessment to determine if you are eligible for council funded services. You should be given as much choice as possible about your preferred solution as long as it is feasible, does not add to the cost and meets the outcomes identified by our assessment.

We will always consider if it is possible to loan equipment from the local equipment store before considering self directed support. 

We will always recommend the most cost effective solution. If you would like another option you must pay the extra cost.

If you need support paying for any equipment or adaptations visit our 'Cost of Living pages'. 

Funding for equipment

We do not provide equipment which is widely available to buy such as small aids for cooking, bathing, toileting, dressing or portable safes for medication.

3 or 4 wheeled outdoor walkers

We do not provide 3 or 4 wheeled outdoor walkers.

  • If your walking aid was issued by the NHS within the last 18 months, you may be eligible for a free replacement or repair through the community equipment store. Please contact 0131 529 6300.
  • If your walking aid was issued more than 18 months ago you will need to buy a new one.
  • List of suppliers of wheeled outdoor walkers

Funding for adaptations

The homeowner/landlord must give permission for any adaptation and if it is for a communal area we will need permission from the other homeowners/landlords. 

Maintenance, removal and making good of adaptations are the responsibility of the homeowner/landlord.

Minor adaptations

Grabrails

If you are assessed as needing internal grabrails by an Occupational Therapist or Community Care Assistant they will mark where these should go on your walls.

  • If you are a Midlothian Council tenant we will purchase and install these.
  • If you own your home or rent your home from a private landlord you will need to source, purchase and have the grabrails installed yourself. You can buy these online or at local hardware stores and find an installer via ‘Trust a Trader’.

Rehanging doors

  • If you are a Midlothian Council tenant we will rehang a door if you are assessed as needing this. 
  • If you own your home or rent your home from a private landlord you will need to arrange for this yourself. You can find people to do this via ‘Trust a Trader’.

Major adaptations

  • If you own your own home or rent a home privately - we may be able to support you to apply for a Home Improvement Grant. To apply an Occupational Therapist from our team must agree the work in writing. 
  • If you rent your home from the council or Housing Association - the landlord will normally fund the adaptation. If you are in rent arrears this may affect this. If you wish to extend your home you are responsible for this. To request a repair for Midlothian Council homes please contact the housing team.

Related pages