A blog by Kate Sheehan, Occupational Therapist

I recently attended the launch of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists, ‘Building Health into Homes’ strategy report^[i] which prompted me to reflect on the importance of our homes and the impact poor housing has on our client’s occupational engagement. It states that poor housing costs health and social care £1.5 billion per year^[ii] This represents a significant cost that could be redirected to other services, if our housing stock provided for the needs of our population.

The launch made me reflect on my occupational therapy training, where I was first introduced to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, developed by Abraham Maslow in the 1940s and 1950s, a theory that remains relevant today. This psychological theory explains that human motivation is driven by five fundamental categories of need, typically represented as a pyramid. It suggests that the essential needs at the base must be met before individuals can focus on the more advanced growth needs at the top. Within this foundational tier, one of the most critical requirements is shelter.

It is important to acknowledge that Maslow’s theory has been subject to criticism. Critics argue that it lacks robust empirical evidence, oversimplifies human motivation, reflects predominantly Western values, and offers a generic framework rather than placing the individual and their personal priorities at the centre. Nevertheless, there is substantial evidence that supports the view that having a home, or shelter, is fundamental to human wellbeing. 

Without a shelter that we can call home, we cannot survive. So what constitutes shelter? According to the RCOT report, a ‘home should be a safe, supportive space where health and wellbeing can thrive.’ As occupational therapists, are we discussing with our clients the impact their home environment has on their recovery and their ability to choose to do the occupations that bring them meaning and joy?

When working with our clients at Adaptation Design, the initial meeting is with our in-house occupational therapy team, as the meaning of home for each individual needs to be explored through an in-depth conversation about what they need to do and more importantly what they want to do in their own home. What does ‘self actualisation’ mean to them? We may not use those words but our goal is always to enable them to reach what they see as their potential.

It is important to remember that often our goals as therapists may not align with our client’s ‘wants’ and we must stop and listen to them to understand their priorities. A classic example is, we may be looking at how a client will be showering themselves as a task, yet the client may articulate they would rather be assisted to give them energy to play with their child. The environment should then be designed around a space suitable for paid care support; a working environment, with the future proofing element that as the client’s children grow and leave, they may wish to shower themselves.

In conclusion, accessible and well-designed housing is not simply a matter of comfort, it is a foundation for wellbeing, independence and participation. By understanding what home means to each individual and designing environments around their priorities, occupational therapists can help people achieve meaningful outcomes and improve their overall quality of life.

^[i] https://www.rcot.co.uk/latest-news/poor-housing-damaging-health-driving-pressure-health-services

^[ii] https://www.health.org.uk/sites/default/files/pdf/2023-12/2023%20-%20Housing%20and%20health_0.pdf

An advice blog for housing and healthcare professionals by Kate Sheehan, Occupational Therapist

During a recent visit to a client, we discussed grab rails, including their design, colour and texture, she made a particularly clear and insightful observation:

“I do not want anything white, ‘council swimming pool’ blue, yellow, plastic, cold metal or fluted. I want style, I want colour and I need a rail that integrates into my bathroom seamlessly, a rail that doesn’t look like a grabrail.”

At Adaptation Design we work from a client centred approach and a request like this makes us review the market and provide options for our client to choose from. Often it is our clients who have found a particular product they like and ask our opinion on its function, design, manufacture and availability.

The grab rail market has slowly changed over the last few years with more thought going into their design and more importantly how they can be used for multiple functions. We have found a significant number of products that are dual purpose, a grab rail that integrates a soap dish within its design (Hewi), a toilet roll holder that doubles as a grab rail (Keuco), a shower riser bar that is also a grab rail (Triton), a mirror with a shelf that is also a grab rail (Invisible Creations). These products have often been designed with customers as part of the design team, making sure style is an integral part of the final product.  What is interesting is companies within the mainstream market now showcasing their own accessible ranges and just recently IKEA has entered the market with their BASINGEN range.

As a team, we need to make sure we adhere to regulations and standards where necessary and appropriate, with regards grab rails Building Regulations (Approved Document M) states that the diameter should be between 30mm to 500mm. The most common diameter is 32mm.

Standards are an excellent resource as a starting point. However, we know that everyone is different and when working with a child, we may wish to choose a different diameter rail for them in the early part of their lives to make sure they can hold onto it successfully and take into account their personal grip and hand dexterity requirements.

The key to the use of all these rails, whether they have a single or dual purpose .is the fitting of them in the home. Walls must be built to take the load required and the right fixtures are fitted in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines. Without this attention to detail a rail could come loose in the middle of a transfer and cause injury or create a psychological fear of using equipment which could impact significantly on someone’s quality of life and engagement in activities.

A grab rail is not always simply a grab rail. Its value lies in it being multi-functional use, while grab rails are certainly products that may be required by the client for reasons such as safety or accessibility, they can also be products that are genuinely desired and chosen by the client to meet more than one need. Adaptation Design embraces the challenge of finding products that meet our clients’ functional needs while reflecting their individual style, because accessibility should enhance a home, not define it.

For more detailed advice, feel free to contact Adaption Design on 020 8492 1617 or email info@adaptationdesign.co.uk

Picture credit: Gainsborough Healthcare Group

By Michael Clifton, Architectural Technologist, Adaptation Design

Michael Clifton graduated in 2009 with a degree in Architectural Technology. With a creative eye, impressive track record for delivering thoughtful design, securing planning permissions for complex sites and guiding his clients through different project phases, Michael thinks broadly and always puts people first. 

In our new 4-part series, Michael examines the importance of a client-centred approach to accessible design and build – so houses truly become homes.

Part 2 – driving design through perception

In part two of our four-part series, Michael Clifton, Architectural Technologist, Adaptation Design, explores the role of perception when clients are unable to clearly articulate their preferences for home design. Michael discusses how careful observation, input from families and support teams, and attention to subtle personal cues, allow designers to build an accurate and authentic picture of a client’s style and needs.

So far in this series, we’ve talked about uncovering personality and curating ideas when clients can articulate them. But what happens when they can’t? What if they can’t put it into words or their communication is limited?

This is where design requires not just empathy, but perception. Sometimes the loudest signals aren’t spoken, they’re observed.  It’s where, as designers, we become detectives piecing together the client’s aesthetic from the subtler signs of daily life to build a picture of them to reflect back to them, their family and support team.

Take clothing, for example. You can learn a great deal about someone’s style instincts just by noticing how they dress. Are their clothes vibrant, patterned, expressive? That might suggest they are drawn to bold colour in their environment. Do they prefer soft fabrics, neutral tones, a restrained palette? That could point towards a minimalist or more calming aesthetic.

And it’s not only clothing. Sometimes the cues come from the things people surround themselves with. Their bookshelves, the art they hang, even the objects they choose to keep close at hand. 

This is also where family members and carers become crucial voices in the design process. Especially when we’re working with clients who have complex needs or limited communication. Families often come with one perspective, shaped by history, tradition or their own preferences. Carers, Case Managers and Occupational Therapists, on the other hand, may see the client’s daily rhythms and reactions in real time. And those perspectives can be very different.

I had a project where the client’s parents insisted he was ‘traditional.’ They wanted us to consider a very classical, muted approach. But his carer, who spent every day with him, said: ‘No, he loves modern things and bright bold colours.’ And the carer was right. The finished design, with the client’s input on colours, tile choices and finishes were well received by all. That contrast reminded me how essential it is not to privilege one voice but to listen to all perspectives within the dialogue. 

Of course, sometimes we still must work with limited information. And that’s where we have to get creative, making reasonable suggestions with broad appeal and flexibility. In these instances, I will often lean into neutral colour palettes and guide clients to accessorise with bolder colours on cushions, curtains, throws, lamps and artwork. This brings a personal stamp but also the flexibility to change the palette over time. 

However, this is never about guessing blindly. It’s about staying alert, noticing trends and questioning until patterns emerge.

Here’s the main point: style is not always verbal. It doesn’t always show up in a neat mood board or in design vocabulary the client can articulate. Sometimes it shows up in a shirt, a bookshelf or in a casual comment.

And as designers, it’s our job to ask: what if that is the clue? What if that is the real preference? What if that’s the beginning of their story?

When we tune into these subtle tells, we don’t just create spaces that are aesthetically pleasing. We create homes that are empathetic, deeply personal and often more authentic than if we had relied only on words.

And that leads us to the next challenge: what about when a home must incorporate not just style, but very real clinical needs? How do we ensure those functional requirements don’t overpower the soul of the design? That’s when we move beyond the clinical which I’ll explore in part 3.

Contact

If you are a housing, healthcare or legal professional seeking a home for a client with disabilities, Michael is standing by to assist. He can be reached on: 

Michael Clifton
Adaptation Design Limited, 4 Carters Row, Hatfield Park, Hertfordshire. AL9 5NB
Tel: 020 8492 1617 / 07983 735 976 Email: michael.clifton@adaptationdesign.co.uk

By Michael Clifton, Architectural Technologist, Adaptation Design

Michael Clifton graduated in 2009 with a degree in Architectural Technology. With a creative eye, impressive track record for delivering thoughtful design, securing planning permissions for complex sites and guiding his clients through different project phases, Michael thinks broadly and always puts people first. 

In our new 4-part series, Michael examines the importance of a client-centred approach to accessible design and build – so houses truly become homes.

Part 1 – finding the foundations

In this first of four articles, Michael Cifton, Architectural Technologist, Adaptation Design, outlines how empathy, collaboration and thoughtful guidance form the essential foundations for creating accessible homes that reflect not only functional needs but the individuality and personality of each client.

Let’s start with this question: when does a house truly become a home?

You might say moving day – when the boxes are unpacked and you make that first cup of tea. But in my experience, a home really begins to take shape much earlier, when a client’s personality starts to interface with the design process and we begin to build something together that is truly bespoke and reflective of who they are.

As Adaptation Design work with clients who often have complex needs, the stakes tend to be higher. Functionality is critical but that can’t be the whole story, otherwise we risk losing who they are.

My design ethos, and the heart of our work at Adaptation Design, is that every home has the potential to be transformed into something magical. But that magic doesn’t come from me imposing a vision. It comes from listening – deeply, patiently and often in ways beyond words. All until the client’s essence finds its way into the walls, the textures, the very light and breath of their home.

So how do we make sure personality is not an afterthought, but the foundation? 

Firstly, empathy. We don’t just listen to what our clients (and their wider support network) say, but how they say it. What do they talk about when we’re not discussing the project? Do they light up when they describe cooking Sunday lunch with their family, or when they picture the quiet of their garden? 

These cues are the breadcrumbs of design that go on to find a core understanding of who our clients are and ultimately enable us to tailor their home to their specific needs.  

Secondly, collaboration between all parties is absolutely critical, as the design process is a fluid and ever evolving one. It is a constant dialogue; a back and forth where ideas grow and change together over time. 

True collaboration means holding space for the client’s voice at every stage; from the very first sketch, to walking through unfinished rooms on site, or tweaking colours at the very last moment. 

It also means being transparent with them about the often-critical choices we make as designers. When clients understand why a wall is placed here or a material chosen there, they gain confidence in us and with the final result. 

Finally, this guidance is how we shape a coherent story.

As we know, clients often come in with a flurry of wants and needs that are often contradictory or mismatched to the desired outcome. Our role therefore involves considered challenging. We might say: “That’s great, but does it feel right? Do you think that will give the best result?” Often this is done by providing balanced alternatives with ideas and principles gleaned from deep listening. This reinforces the collaborative relationship and creates a level of trust between us. 

Why is reflecting personality key to successful design?

The moment you live for as a designer is not when the client admires the technical execution – but when they recognise themselves in the space you have created. Something that truly reflects who they are. 

Personality is not just a detail, a tick-box to be incorporated. It’s the key driver.

I have often said: ‘Tell a single story and a world will form around it’. That story must always be the clients. So, if you take one thing from this section, let it be this… the best homes are the ones that feel inevitable; like they could never have been any other way.

That is inclusion. And that is why personality is key.  

Of course, while we are uncovering our client’s personality – we are also beginning a wider process of understanding. Sifting and refining through the information to shape and hone it into something magical. Curation is about shaping that raw material into something coherent, balanced and ultimately liveable. 

Rarely, do we get handed a neat and tidy brief. We usually get fragments – pieces of inspiration and ideas. All of that is precious but if left unfiltered, it’s just chatter. Our role is to listen, honour the intention and gradually tune it into harmony.

How does the process of curation ensure design that resonates for a client?

We all gather inspiration in different ways; sometimes deliberately and sometimes randomly… a Pinterest board overflowing with images, a scrapbook filled with magazine clippings, even a folder of saved posts on Instagram, can all act as modern-day sketchbooks of the imagination. 

These collections aren’t always neat or logical, but that’s the point: they capture raw sparks of curiosity before they fade. In the same way someone might once have torn out a picture of a chair or kept a postcard from a gallery, today’s tools let us assemble a visual diary of what resonates. And while each individual piece might seem random, together they form a chorus of desire, taste and possibility. 

Curation is about refining and elevating that chorus so it’s clearer, truer and more resonant in the final design. It’s the difference between a jumble of notes and a symphony.

Let me share a story that illustrates this…

One client came to me with an enormous Pinterest board… hundreds of images. And it wasn’t just interiors or architecture. Mixed in were pictures of cats, holiday destinations, even recipes. At first glance, it felt chaotic. How do you extract a design language from that? But by stepping back and looking at the collection as a whole rather than each image, a pattern began to emerge. I noticed a strong pull toward classical forms but paired with modern simplicity. The throughline was an underlying attraction to a chic neo-Georgian style, with muted pastels and light airy spaces. That became the seed of my design philosophy for the interiors for their home.

And when I presented the mood boards showing a chic, neo-Georgian direction back to them and their family, they said that was exactly what they wanted and reflected the client’s personality. 

And that’s the heart of curation: taking what the client offers, however fragmented, and helping them see the thread that runs through it – as often they don’t know it themselves.

Now, the process of curation isn’t only about style. It’s also about priorities. 

Clients and their support teams will often bring a long wish list of varying requirements for a property, but of course, not every home can contain every need.

So, with accurate and detailed information given on the client’s needs, curation becomes a process of helping distinguish between ‘wants’ and ‘needs’ – which of these are non-negotiable, which of these are flexible and what could be cut if required. 

This stage is where the designer’s empathy, collaboration and guidance come back into play. This is because refining ideas isn’t about saying ‘no’. It’s about offering structure. It’s about saying: ‘Here are the three or four principles that I think really matter to you. If we hold onto these, everything else can flex.’ That way, clients feel empowered… not shut down.

And here’s another important truth: curation isn’t static. It’s a process of editing and re-editing over time. At the start, the canvas is wide open, but as the design evolves, decisions get sharper. We move from the broad-brush strokes of overall thought and concept to the finer more specific details of production. Each stage is a chance to revisit the client’s story and ensure that we are still on track. 

So why does curation matter so much? Because it’s the stage where we transform inspiration into identity. It’s where we ensure the home doesn’t feel like a catalogue of trends or requirements, but a coherent reflection of the person living there. 

When this is done well, the client feels like they’ve discovered clarity for themselves… distilled, harmonised and made tangible in their home. 

And that leads us naturally to the next question: what happens when a client can’t clearly articulate their style? Well, that’s where the art of noticing comes in. And that’s what I want to talk about in part 2 of this series – driving design through perception.

Contact

If you are a housing, healthcare or legal professional seeking a home for a client with disabilities, Michael is standing by to assist. He can be reached on: 

Michael Clifton
Adaptation Design Limited, 4 Carters Row, Hatfield Park, Hertfordshire. AL9 5NB
Tel: 020 8492 1617 / 07983 735 976 Email: michael.clifton@adaptationdesign.co.uk

Tess Whitehead, Head of Property Search and Occupational Therapist at Adaptation Design, reports on how this year’s event highlighted more accessibility innovations than ever.

In April, The Ideal Home Show ran for nine days at Olympia London and remains one of the most influential events in the home and interiors calendar. The Show Home feature is always an event highlight, showcasing new and innovative products and services that shape how we think about our living spaces.

This year, I was invited to attend the Show Home launch as a guest of Stannah, who were presenting their latest homelift and stairlift solutions.

Personality is key

One of the most valuable aspects of the launch was the opportunity to speak with Sophie Morgan. Sophie is widely recognised as the first woman with a disability to work as a television presenter both in the UK and internationally, including anchoring prime time coverage of major sporting events.

The conversation with her focused on a topic that often gets missed in accessible design – aesthetics. While functionality is essential, the way products look plays an equally important role. For people living with complex needs, homes are frequently adapted with a strong focus on practicality, yet the visual and emotional impact of those spaces can be overlooked.

Sophie spoke about the importance of choice and control in how a home looks and feels. That point resonated strongly with me. A well-designed home should not only meet physical needs, it should also reflect identity, support wellbeing and feel like a place someone is proud to live in. This is something we see consistently in our work and it remains a key takeaway from the event.

Tess (left) at the launch of the Show Home alongside Kate Sheehan, OT (centre) and TV celebrity Sophie Morgan (right).

Challenging trends

Alongside the Show Home, Kate Sheehan, Occupational Therapy Consultant at Adaptation Design, spoke on the main stage about the growing mismatch between housing stock and accessibility needs. Research states that 25% of people aged over 55 feel their current home will not support their long-term mobility, yet bungalows, often seen as the most accessible housing type account for only around 1% of new build homes. This reflects what we encounter daily when searching for suitable rental and purchase properties for our clients who require enabling adaptations.

Advancing accessibility

Attending the show also allowed us to explore emerging products from both specialist and mainstream markets. This is a key part of our role, ensuring we can offer informed and practical recommendations that reflect what is actually available.

Environmental control was a strong theme this year. With more extreme temperatures becoming increasingly common, the ability to regulate internal environments is becoming ever more important. Mitsubishi showcased integrated heating and cooling systems with intuitive, easy to use controls that could be operated via a smart device. The simplicity and accessibility of the displays particularly stood out to us – an area we will be exploring further.

Kitchen design also showed some positive developments. Smile Kitchens presented a range of storage solutions designed to improve access without excessive bending or reaching. Features such as pull-out larders and corner storage systems demonstrate how thoughtful design can make everyday tasks more manageable without compromising on appearance. Of particular interest was their Gate Pull Out Larder and Cornerstone Maxx Larder.

There were also several wash dry toilets on display. While the technology itself is improving, we noted ongoing issues around usability. Some controls were not suitable for people with reduced hand function and in some cases lacked clear, intuitive operation. More importantly, not all products appeared to meet WRAS approval standards, which is a critical consideration in ensuring safety and compliance within UK homes; an essential requirement for products specified by Adaptation Design. 

A positive outing

Overall, the Ideal Home Show 2026 provided a valuable opportunity to review what is emerging in the wider market. It allowed us to assess which products are genuinely suitable for our clients with disabilities and which fall short in real world situations. Overall attending the event enabled us to stay informed about innovative solutions that will benefit the clients and professionals we work with.

If you would like further information about any of the products or themes highlighted or want to discuss how inclusive design can be incorporated into your own project, the team and I are always happy to help. I can be contacted on:

Tess Whitehead
Adaptation Design, Clinical Lead for Housing Occupational Therapy and Property Search Services
Tel: 020 8492 1617 or email here

Kate Sheehan, Consultant Occupational Therapist, reflects on the latest Case Management Society Conference and how its aims synergise with those of Adaptation Design.

The Case Management Society UK, in collaboration with The Society of Research in Rehabilitation, delivered an outstanding conference, Tomorrow’s World, on 17th and 18th March 2026.

The sessions offered a strong mix of practical insight, innovation, research and personal experience.

Crest IT was the main sponsor of the event. David Lees, Managing Director, spoke about AI and its impact on businesses, particularly in relation to data security. Following his session, I spoke with him about the use of AI in expert report writing and whether clinicians can confidently stand by AI-assisted work in Court. He is planning to reflect further on this, as he had not previously considered the implications.

For my first breakout session, I chose to attend one outside my usual area of practice and comfort zone: Neurofeedback in Action: Its Role Within Rehabilitation, led by Dr Maria Walters and Dr Melanie Dakin, Co-Founders of The Brain Collective. They explained how electroencephalogram (EEG), a safe and non-invasive technique, is used to interpret brain activity. Using real-time data, this approach can support clients to regulate their brain function. It was a fascinating insight into the brain’s neuroplasticity and its ability to adapt following significant trauma.

The panel discussion on the power of rehabilitation and the barriers to accessing the right services at the right time, was particularly thought-provoking. A key takeaway was the importance of clear and concise clinical reasoning to support a client’s rehabilitation journey.

Spending time with exhibitors was equally valuable. It was encouraging to see a growing number of occupational therapy-led companies emerging, all focused on delivering high-quality, client-centred services.

As an occupational therapist working from a client-centred perspective, I found it helpful to reflect on two particularly impactful presentations.

Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson shared her journey from elite athlete, winning 11 Paralympic gold medals, to her current role as a crossbench peer in the House of Lords. She spoke about challenging the narrative that “people like you can’t do that”, and the importance of finding allies who support success. This strongly reflects the role of case managers, who act as advocates for their clients, supporting them to achieve their goals and live the lives they choose.

Phillip Eaglesham, a former Royal Marine who contracted Q Fever whilst serving in Afghanistan, spoke powerfully about both his physical and mental recovery. He described his journey back to wellbeing, supported by his family, and his progression to becoming an Olympian. From an environmental perspective, his experience of fighting for essential adaptations to his home, and the time this took, was particularly striking. His words, “every day without an accessible home is a day of my life I will never get back”, resonated deeply.

Ensuring a timely, accessible home environment, whether rented or owned, is fundamental to effective rehabilitation. Without this, clients are unable to fully engage in meaningful activity, which in turn, limits the potential benefits of rehabilitation.

If you are a Case Manager seeking support regarding appropriate home adaptations for a client, contact our specialist team on: 020 8492 1617 or email info@adaptationdesign.co.uk

An advice blog for housing and healthcare professionals by Kate Sheehan, Occupational Therapist

It is important as professionals, working in the private and public housing sector, that we keep up to date on new Court rulings to understand funding for care for our clients. For example, a recent Court ruling confirms that funds held in a Personal Injury Trust are to be disregarded when assessing the capital resources of a person applying to their local authority for statutory funding for care needs.

Court Ruling

This judgement, R (on the application of CGT) v West Sussex County Council [2026] EWHC 293 (Admin) held that the defendant local authority was unlawful in its decision to deny funding to a seriously injured claimant, on the grounds that his monies were subject to a means test, despite the claimant having held the funds in a Personal Injury Trust.

In detail, West Sussex County Council had refused to fund the claimant’s care from 6 July 2024 and required repayment of £271,253.44 in respect of care costs paid between July 2020 and July 2024. The client was awarded £3.5 million by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority on the condition it be paid into a discretionary trust, which he was the sole beneficiary.

His Honour Judge Auerbach set out four grounds:

1. The defendant acted unlawfully because its decision was contrary to the express terms of para.15 of sch.2 of the Care and Support (Charging and Assessment of Resources) Regulations 2014/2672, and to the Guidance.
2. The defendant did not provide adequate or intelligible reasons for its decision.
3. The defendant wrongly took into account the 2012 Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) undertakings, despite them not being binding on the claimant’s father (SGT), and despite the Court Of Protection having refused the defendant’s request to amend the terms of his appointment.
4. The defendant has failed, as required by the 2014 Act, to carry out a needs assessment and provide a written record of it.

The Court examined each argument presented and ultimately reached a clear conclusion determining that Schedule 2 of the Care and Support Act together with the Care and Support Statutory Guidance (currently under review), allows for the disregard of capital held in a Personal Injury Trust when calculating capital for the purposes of a Local Authority’s financial assessment. This finding applies regardless of whether damages have been specifically awarded for future care costs.

What does this mean for those of us working in the home adaptations field where there is a Personal Injury Trust?

The Court’s statement ‘allows for the disregard of capital held in a Personal Injury Trust when calculating capital for the purposes of a Local Authority’s financial assessment’ would indicate that the funds in the trust cannot be used in the means testing for a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG).

As practitioners within the private sector, we have a duty to discuss with our clients, their deputies and/or solicitors the statutory funding available and if it is appropriate to make a request for funding under the DFG purposes if the required adaptations are necessary and appropriate. The reality is that often the waiting lists for DFG funding can be long which can impact our client’s ability to reach their goals. A direct referral to the Local Authority Housing Department is possible, although in District Councils they still have a duty to consult social services.

Essential reading

Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) delivery: Guidance for Local Authorities in England. Pages 29 and 68 of this guidance outlines the best way forward which is clear, effective communication and collaboration between all parties involved.

To discuss this more, join the next ‘Ask the Expert’ day held by Adaptation Design on the first Thursday of the month: Call 020 8492 1617 or email info@adaptationdesign.co.uk to book your slot and receive expert, practical advice.

An insightful blog by Kate Sheehan, consultant Occupational Therapist

When viewing potential properties for a client, the most crucial aspect is gaining a true understanding of their needs. This involves asking pertinent questions, observing the client’s abilities, discussing the wider family unit, and considering what makes a property suitable for them. However, at the heart of this process is the skill of listening.

Listening is an essential skill. By creating space for someone to share their thoughts, we enable them to open up and genuinely communicate how they feel about their lives, as well as how their home environment supports or hinders their day-to-day life.

As part of my role with Adaptation Design, I recently visited a family to assess their temporary rental housing needs whilst their permanent home was being adapted and extended for their long-term requirements. During my visit, I engaged with the client by sitting on the floor, playing and laughing together. This interaction helped the client’s mother to open up about her family’s needs.

When working with children we absolutely must listen and understand the whole family’s needs. This client does not live in isolation but is a son, a brother and part of a wider extended family. The family’s culture and religious beliefs also influence how they use their home, factors which must be considered when searching for any rental property.

After spending time with the client, his parents, and carers, we went on to view, two potential properties, both within walking distance of their current home.  However, my assessment did not start at the point of visiting the properties, I had already reviewed all the estate agent photographs, downloaded accurate plans from the local planning portal, and used Google Earth to examine the properties’ positions, parking, and proximity to essential amenities.

What we see when visiting a house and what our clients see are two different things.  They are seeking a home. I am looking for an accessible property requiring minimal adaptation work, which can be turned into a home for that temporary period.

The first property was a family home being rented out whilst they were working abroad.  It was full of the family’s belongings, had been cherished and lived in and clearly held a lot of memories.  The property had huge potential to meet the client and his family’s needs but it did require some significant work and most critically the installation of a through floor lift and a suitable bath. The lift position was complicated due to different roof heights and the master bathroom had the most ornate bath situated on a plinth.

The second property we visited, had been vacant for a considerable time and the landlord had agreed for any work necessary to be carried out.  The family loved it as it had the most gorgeous gardens, with mature oak trees and space for their son to be outside. On paper, the property seemed promising, but the reality was quite different.  It had been extended poorly with tight turns into bedrooms, doorways of only 680mm widths and hallways of less than 800mm   Every room on the first floor had restricted ceiling height resulting in restriction on where a lift could be sited.  The only potential lift option would have required the garage to be converted into a room and for the position of all utilities (including gas, electric and water) to have be re-sited, at significant expense.  

When discussing the limitations of potential properties with parents, I find that taking their child’s wheelchair there with you can be the clearest way of highlighting that the environment just will not work well as they can physically see the difficulties they will encounter on a day-to-day basis.

Whilst we did not find a suitable property that day, we remain confident that we will through Adaptation Design’s Property Finding Services. Our goal is to secure an accessible temporary home for our client, whilst the forever home is adapted to meet their own specific needs along with those of the wider family.

By Kate Sheehan, Consultant Occupational Therapist

At Adaptation Design, we specialise in identifying key features and  locating properties that meet the unique needs of our clients. The concept of accessibility extends well beyond entryways but also supports daily living, enables meaningful activities and enhances overall wellbeing

When searching for potential rental or purchase properties that meets specific accessibility needs, we focus on a range of essential features.

Location and Environment

Proximity to essential facilities is vital. Is the property close to a school, workplace or preferred GP surgery? Can carers reach it easily, including by public transport if needed? We also consider the local terrain; a hilly area might restrict mobility and impede opportunities for community engagement.

Access Into the Property

We assess whether the driveway and approach are level, with surfaces suitable for wheelchairs or mobility aids. Adequate parking is important for a wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV), family, visitors and care teams. The entrance should allow for smooth, safe access without barriers.

Circulation Space

Good circulation space is key for accessible homes. We check hallway widths, door sizes and whether there is enough room for turning into rooms. For properties with more than one floor, we assess if a lift could be installed to provide full access.

Room Sizes and Layout

Rooms must be spacious enough for care teams, therapy activities and specialist equipment, while remaining practical for everyday use. The position of key rooms, such as bathrooms and bedrooms can make a significant difference to accessibility.

Flooring

Hard flooring can make moving wheelchairs and essential equipment easier. While flooring changes can often be negotiated with landlords, the existing floor surface still plays a role in assessing suitability.

Ceiling Heights

If ceiling track hoists are needed, ceiling height is crucial for safe manual handling and preventing injury to both clients and carers.

Outdoor Space and Access

Being able to enjoy outdoor space is important for both health and happiness. When reviewing a property, we consider whether the garden is level enough for everyday use and how easily the client can get to it from indoors.

Equipment Requirements

We check there is enough space to accommodate the safe storage and use of specialist equipment, ensuring it does not obstruct movement or limit the functionality of living areas

The process of finding a property must keep the client, their family and their carers at the centre. Even for a temporary home, the right accessible property creates a strong foundation for rehabilitation, enabling progress and the achievement of new milestones. For those providing care and support, it helps remove many of the physical and emotional barriers of daily life, making care safer, more manageable and allowing more time to focus on what matters most.

If you require any further advice about accessible homes or appropriate housing design adaptations, ask our experts by messaging us here