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Home Adaptations

For children and young people with sensory, motor, or developmental needs, the right home adaptations, from a sensory-supportive bedroom to a fully adapted ground floor, can transform daily life for the whole family.

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Hopscotch provides specialist Occupational Therapy home adaptation assessments across England, working with families directly and on instruction from local authorities, housing associations, and case managers. Our reports meet the evidential standards required for DFG (Disabled Facilities Grant) applications and other statutory funding routes.

When a Home Adaptation Assessment is Needed

Families and local authorities typically seek a specialist Occupational Therapy assessment when:

  • A child or young person's mobility, sensory, or self-care needs are no longer being met by the current home environment.

  • A DFG (Disabled Facilities Grant) application requires supporting Occupational Therapy evidence.

  • Local authority Occupational Therapy waiting lists are creating unacceptable delays in urgent cases.

  • A family is moving home, extending, or renovating, and wants to ensure the new space is fit for purpose.

  • An existing adaptation needs to be reviewed, extended, or adjusted as the child or young person grows.

  • A case manager, solicitor, or local authority requires an independent specialist assessment.

What Our Home Adaptations Assessments Include

Access & Mobility

  • Entrance and exit access (ramps, level thresholds, door widths)

  • Internal circulation: hallways, doorways, stair access, and lift requirements

  • Through-floor lifts, stairlifts, and ceiling track hoist systems

  • Wheelchair turning circles and storage

Bathing & Personal Care

  • Wet rooms, level-access showers, and accessible bathing solutions

  • Adapted toileting facilities, including height-adjustable and supported toilets

  • Specialist bathing equipment and changing facilities

Bedrooms & Sleep

  • Bedroom layout for safety, supervision, and independence

  • Specialist beds, cot sides, and safe-sleep solutions

  • Sensory-supportive bedroom design (lighting, sound, calming environments)

  • Sibling considerations and family privacy

Kitchen & Dining

  • Accessible kitchen design and adapted dining areas

  • Equipment to support independent eating, drinking, and food preparation

Sensory Environment

  • Designated sensory or regulation spaces within the home

  • Lighting, acoustics, and visual environment audits

  • Recommendations for sensory equipment and integration into daily routines

Outdoor & Garden Spaces

  • Safe, accessible garden access and play areas

  • Sensory gardens, motor development spaces, and secure outdoor environments

Specialist Equipment

  • Recommendations for seating, posturing, transfer, and mobility equipment

  • Manual handling and moving-and-handling risk assessments where relevant

Our Process

Step 1: Referral  and Background Review

We begin by gathering the relevant background information: referral details, existing reports, medical history, EHCPs, and any prior Occupational Therapy or housing assessments. For local authority instructions, we agree the scope and reporting requirements at the outset.

Step 2: Home Visit (or Remote Assessment)

Our specialist Occupational Therapy visits the home to meet the child or young person and their family, observe daily routines, take measurements, and assess the environment in detail. Where appropriate, we can also offer remote assessments using video and detailed photographic evidence; particularly useful for initial scoping, follow-up reviews, or where time-sensitive recommendations are needed.

Step 3: Written Report and Recommendations

Within a few weeks of the visit, the instructing party receives a comprehensive written report. The report sets out the child or young person's functional needs, the impact of the current environment, and specific, costed recommendations for adaptation. Reports are written to meet the evidential requirements of Disabled Facilities Grant applications, local authority funding panels, and where relevant, tribunal or medico-legal proceedings.

Step 4: Ongoing Support

Where helpful, our Occupational Therapists can liaise with architects, builders, occupational therapy contractors, and local authority housing teams to ensure that the recommendations are interpreted and implemented correctly. Post-adaptation reviews are also available.

Who We Work With

  • Families seeking an independent, specialist assessment to support a Disabled Facilities Grant application, to inform a renovation or move, or to access expert advice outside of NHS or local authority waiting lists.

  • Local Authorities requiring specialist paediatric Occupational Therapy input where in-house capacity is limited or specialist sensory and neurodevelopmental expertise is needed.

  • Case Managers managing complex paediatric cases following injury, illness, or settlement.

  • Solicitors instructing Occupational Therapy evidence in personal injury, clinical negligence, or housing-related proceedings.

  • Adoption Agencies and Special Guardians preparing a home environment for a child with identified needs.

Coverage

Home visits are available across England. Remote assessments are available nationally and internationally.

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