Bathroom: The existing ground floor ensuite illustrates adaptation potential, with scope to create an accessible wet room subject to detailed assessment and design, tailored to meet the client’s specific access, equipment and care needs, with careful design to optimise safety, functionality and carer support.

Through Adaptation Design’s expert eye, the property offered many benefits not commonly seen within the rental market. Set behind gates with a private drive and generous internal space, it provided a rare combination of scale and flexibility. Its size, layout and strong connection to outdoor space and surrounding countryside created a valuable opportunity to support all the family’s needs. In terms of accessibility, the property had not been previously adapted; however, the layout offered a workable solution. There was the potential to create a fully inclusive ground floor living arrangement which could include a suitable bedroom, wet room, dedicated carer and therapy spaces.

A key part of progressing this property was close cooperation with the estate agent. Adaptation Design’s long-standing relationship with this agent immediately added value to the process. Their joint understanding of litigation-led cases and non-standard tenancy arrangements was instrumental in securing landlord engagement and arranging access quickly. The landlord was also notably cooperative and open to the proposed adaptations, which is not always the case in the private rental sector. Again, an advantage of commissioning Adaptation Design for the project.

The wider process was also collaborative throughout; involving two case managers, the treating therapy team, the family and legal team, ensuring both clinical needs and practical parameters were fully considered. Ultimately, the family’s priority was to bring their daughter home as soon as possible once the tenancy had been agreed and before construction works had been completed. This required a clear interim plan to ensure her needs could be safely met from day one.

Stairs: Risk assessment indicated potential for temporary first floor access using a stair climber as an interim solution, having considered features including generous staircase width, tread depth, carpeted stair finishes for slip resistance, toughened safety glass balustrading and sufficient space at the upper and lower landings to support safe manoeuvring and transfer, alongside equipment assessment, trial and appropriate carer training.

The original building had no suitable washing facilities on the ground floor and no alternative space that could be repurposed as a temporary bedroom. As the family’s daughter is a wheelchair user and could not be safely carried on the stairs, finding a temporary safe means of access to the first floor was essential; a stairlift was not appropriate in this case.

Following a product demonstration, assessment and trial, a ‘stair climber’ was identified as the most appropriate short-term solution. This was provided on a time limited basis to enable access to the first-floor bedroom and shower room during the interim period. This approach was strictly temporary. At the current stage of the development, the first floor does not provide the space required to totally support the young client’s disabilities and her carers’ working practices on an ongoing basis. 

Outside: The external environment illustrates strong therapeutic and accessibility potential, combining level access to usable outdoor space with open views, nature and a peaceful setting support wellbeing, relaxation and sensory benefit, while also promoting inclusion, family participation and meaningful engagement with the outdoors.

Therefore, Adaptation Design’s long-term plan remains focused on delivering a fully accessible ground floor layout. This will include a wet room, appropriate flooring for specialist equipment and provision for a ceiling track hoist. This overhead hoist with specialist gait trainer module will enhance therapy and rehabilitation potential. Adaptation works are due to commence on site in May 2026, marking the transition from interim arrangements to a more suitable long-term solution.

In conclusion, this case study reflects the reality of working within the private rental market and how Adaptation Design can ‘cut through’ to secure and adapt a property quickly. Suitable rental properties are rarely available in their existing form; however, success depends on several factors. These include identifying potential, securing landlord agreement and working collaboratively to deliver practical solutions within the constraints of the rental market; Adaptation Design are a proven choice to make this happen.

Need assistance with finding rental properties suitable for adaptations? 

Contact Tess Whitehead, Adaptation Design’s Specialist Housing Occupational Therapist on: Tel: 020 8492 1617
Email: tess.whitehead@adaptationdesign.co.uk