Aids and Adaptations for a Wheelchair Resident
L&Q, London
Benefits
• Enhanced home accessibility and functionality
• Wet room with non-slip flooring and accessible features
• Accessible kitchen features
• Modular ramps installed for easier entry and exit
• Obstacles removed for smooth wheelchair movement
Highlights
For our client, L&Q, we’ve been contracted to undertake a kitchens and bathrooms replacement program across over 110 properties, focusing on improving accessibility for a wheelchair bound resident in a social housing property in London. The project aimed to improve accessibility and functionality within the home.
Axis commenced with an Occupational Therapy (OT) report, structural and boiler assessments, gas engineering, and preliminary surveys, including door measurements and service checks.
We removed the existing bathroom, demolishing the wall between the bathroom and toilet to create a single, accessible wet room. A non-slip resistant flooring, full waterproofing, and accessible features like wall-mounted grab rails and foldable
Specifications
• Occupational Therapy (OT) Report
• Structural and boiler surveys
• Strip-out, removal knocking down walls
• Disposal of old units and sanitary ware
• Mechanical and electrical works
• Plumbing
• Installation from old bathroom to new wet room
• Kitchen unit installation
• Rear door replacement in kitchen to garden
• Two ramp modular installations
• Painting and decorating
shower seat. Shower was installed, along with a wash basin and pedestal and standard size toilet. Plumbing and electrical systems were upgraded to support new features and to ensure all controls were within reach.
In the kitchen, significant demolition included the removal of two larder cupboards, worktops and kitchen units. The redesigned kitchen now includes lower countertops, pull-out shelves, and appliances with front-facing controls. Accessible features included lever-style taps, open space benefit work surfaces for wheelchair access. Kitchen was fitted with non-slip resistant flooring to ensure safety and ease of movement.
To improve mobility, we removed steps, door thresholds, and a large tree at the front, and installed modular ramps at the front and rear of the property, constructed from durable, non-slip materials. A radiator in the hallway was resized to facilitate easier wheelchair manoeuvring, and an additional plug was installed to reduce trip hazards.
Throughout this aids and adaptations project, conducted in an occupied home of three residents, our team maintained clear communications, with regular on-site visits to explain progress and address concerns. These modifications of the wet room, kitchen and entryways significantly enhanced the resident’s safety, comfort and daily living environment.
The change in the bathroom has given me a better way of using the space because the wall has been taken down, so it’s bigger. I’m able to turn around in my wheelchair.
Barbara, Resident
Adapting the kitchen has had a huge impact on mum. She’s able to come down, wash up, get her breakfast, do some cooking and actually just become a member of the family again, having some input into the family.
Client Relationship
Our relationship with L&Q continues to thrive, we’re entering our tenth year of successful collaboration. Last year, we secured the 15-year Major Works Investment Program contract, building on our history of delivering diverse projects, including aids and adaptations services and FRA. With this strong foundation, our long - standing partnership with L&Q is set to continue well into the future.
From an L&Q perspective, it’s great to work with a contractor like Axis that listens and delivers work to a high standard.
