Adapting a property is a huge task, even before you add in the challenges arising from P’s disabilities. P and their family may be living in a property due to be adapted and need to move out, or living in alternative accommodation waiting for suitable premises to be found. When you combine these scenarios with caring for P, who may have a multitude of needs that are not easily adaptable to big changes, the pressure can feel overwhelming. Our Court of Protection team are experts in supporting families through this upheaval, and realise we are not just here to deal with the financial side of the process – we are here as emotional support too. We understand the importance of having to source accommodation that will cater to not only P’s needs, but also provide a home for the whole family; even temporarily whilst long-term adaptions are being completed. Understanding the adaptation process We will always be happy to answer questions and explain things as clearly as possible, so that P’s family can understand the process throughout. Depending on individual circumstances, adaptions can be lengthy. Often, it can take more than a year, allowing for weather conditions, suppliers, amending original plans and adapting to surprises along the way. We highly recommend consulting contract administrators / project managers from the very outset, before a house is purchased, with a view to discussing the adaptions needed during the property search and purchase process. This helps to avoid any disappointment if the necessary adaptions cannot be completed at a particular location or if alternatives need to be brainstormed together. Our aim is to protect P, and ensure that at the end of the process, P has the house they need to meet both their current and future needs. Planning for future needs We work closely with the contract administrators and project managers, to ensure things run as smoothly as possible on P’s behalf. When first planning the adaptions, we recommend considering P’s likely needs as an adult, even if they are a child when beginning this journey. By future-proofing the design, it can mean a reduction in cost, time and emotional stress in the future. Considerations can include the size of equipment being installed, ensuring there is space for suitable equipment for adults as well for children, privacy, future independence for P, space for any care team P may require in the future, and equipment that needs to be moved around the property i.e wheelchairs, hoists, profiling beds. Although it can be a difficult conversation, thought also needs to be given to the likelihood of any future decline in P’s health that could impact the facilities they may need. P may already receive input from an Occupational Therapist (“OT”) who can be consulted to assess P’s needs and ensure they are catered for from the very early planning stages, and if there is no OT already involved with P, we can arrange for one to be instructed. Here are some terms we discuss with the families we support through the adaption process: Assessment An architect will visit the property and provide plans with schedules and adaptions. This is the time the Occupational Therapist may join, to provide input. Designs will need to go through stringent planning and building regulation checks, depending on the property, location etc. We work with various architects and property adaptation companies who have specialist expertise in designing properties with disability accessibility in mind. Financial assistance It may be possible to apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant (“DFG”) to assist with the costs – depending on individual circumstances. This is a financial contribution from the Local Authority towards works that are required to make a disabled person’s home accessible for them in certain specific ways, such as providing level access at the entrance, or installing an accessible bathroom. We can advise on making an application for a DFG during the planning stages of an adaptation project. Tender process Using the schedule of works the architect provides, a selection of building contractors will be asked to submit their fee proposals to complete the works. We will usually consider a minimum of three quotations, in consultation with P, if appropriate, and their family, before deciding who to instruct. We make sure to guide P and their family as smoothly as possible through the process, while ensuring that the Deputy’s duty to act in P’s best interests is met by taking into consideration any constraints applied by the Court regarding the purchasing of the property or limits on the funds available for renovations. We ensure that the works remain within the guidelines and that we all work in P’s best interests. Tips Some tips on the main issues to consider when thinking about adapting a home for P: Budget Location – in relation to P’s education setting (if applicable), social activities, healthcare settings, friends and other family members Restrictions within a Deputyship Order Whether alternative accommodation will be required during the process Deadlines for P – does P need to be in the property by a certain time, e.g. in order to start secondary school in a new area. P’s current and future accessibility requirements Any anticipated changed in P’s condition Considering space needed for P, the family and any care team Balancing the family’s requirements, which may not always be the same as P’s requirements Adverse weather conditions / seasonality for adaptions Planning rules and regulations in your area – whether planning permission is likely to be required for any proposed works What experts may need to be instructed to complete assessments in the early planning stages If you would like to hear our team discuss this topic in more detail, please listen to our podcast. If you would like to discuss a Deputyship, property adaptions or any other Court of Protection issue, please do get in touch with our team by emailing courtofprotection@boyesturner.com or calling us on: 0800 124 4845.