Housing Association Bathroom Refit?

GibbsRule_No3.

I am aged 72, my HA want to refit the bathroom, in what used to be an age related rental property, now it seems anyone considered "vulnerable" are allowed. They are coming to survey next week and I asked on the phone if they were replacing the current bath "like for like", or if a walk-in shower could be fitted due to my age? Currently I am nimble enough to get in an out of the bath to shower, not sure how long I will be fit enough. I'd like to future proof the bathroom for when I am not as able, since the property is a bungalow, I am not planning on a move until a nursing home, should one be needed, or I pass away. They did mention if I was 75 or in need of Occupational Health check, then a shower could be installed, otherwise not. Has anyone appealed on a "future proof" basis? I feel like saying I will wait until I need a OH check, rather than go through the mess twice in a few years.

SarahB16

I wonder if asking for an occupational health check would help? You could tell them of the time when you nearly fell due to catching your foot on the side of the bath as you were getting out of the bath ;-)

Of course only mention this if it means there is no risk of them moving you. You could then tell them what you think would help you.

I'm sure somebody else will be able to come along and advise you further make some suggestions.

marcia_

my aunt had the housing association turn up to re do her bathroom without her even asking. They installed a walk in shower with a seat. She actually needs it having 2 fraction her back but she had never told the HA this.

Grumpy_chap

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6661451/housing-association-bathroom-refit

Agree to having the OH assessment.

The cost (when the work is being done anyway) of changing to a walk-in shower from a bath is not significant difference. You might find the outcome is pleasingly compliant.

You might be offered the change requested if you make a contribution to the difference in cost - is that something you would consider?

I suspect, if the bathroom is renewed now, the HA will be very resistant to funding a further update in a few years.

GibbsRule_No3.

more than willing to pay if it is extra work. Of the 12 bungalows, only 4 still have baths. I have not used the bath, as a bath in 11 Years of living here. I’d hope it saves water having a shower, even more so if it is a shower, rather than the shower off the taps as it is now.

Jude57

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81940338#Comment_81940338

I asked my HA for help because I was struggling to use the over bath shower I had installed at my own cost some years earlier, with their permission of course. I'm not in age-restricted property. The HA arranged for the Council's Disabled Adaptations Team to visit me to discuss my needs and shortly afterwards the HA arranged for the level access shower to be installed. I'd suggest asking the HA what they can do to help you or if they can't help, seek advice from your Council's Adaptations Team to see what support they can offer.

dannim12345

I previously worked for a HA and contractors who do bathroom refurbishments for HA’s and it was life for like (in terms of fixtures). OH would be different but that would also be a different team (adaptions) who would do those bathrooms. I’ve not known of tenants being able to pay to have something different.

Every HA will be different though, so all you can do is ask.

GibbsRule_No3.

I don’t want to go through upheaval twice in few years and at my age that is what would happen. I think I’m erring on turning down a refit now and will go down the OH route in a few years when I will need it. At least three people out of the twelve properties have gone down that route and now have either a complete wetroom layout or a walk-in, open end shower that a wheelchair could be pushed into. My bathroom is not in that bad a condition that I cannot live with it for now, I’d just find it easier to get into a shower, than continue to clamber over the bathside. We will see on Wednesday what I am told.

Jude57

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81941784#Comment_81941784

If you're still reasonably fit and healthy, surely it would be less disruptive to see what help is available now, rather than wait a few years? In my own case, my health and mobility has actually improved in the last couple of years but I wouldn't want to be without my level access shower now that I've got it. I don't see that you'd have anything to lose by looking into it.

I'd also suggest you be aware that if the bathroom refit being proposed is part of your HA meeting legislative or regulatory requirements, you may not have the option to decline the work. My own HA, encountering difficulty getting access to carry out the works on flats in my block, have used their legal rights to force entry as a last resort.

And a final word on the disruption. My level access shower took 2.5 days to install. At no point was I left without a working toilet and handbasin and the shower was actually installed on day 1, it was allowing time for the sealant around the panels to set that took the rest of the time. The membrane flooring was installed on a later day but once down, 'set' almost immediately.

GibbsRule_No3.

Jude 57, I think/hope that my bathroom is in a fairly good state and that they would not need to do an enforced refit. If they offer to see if OH can help now, then I will of course take them up on the offer, I just want to future proof the work now. Someone advised saying I have nearly fallen but lying doesn't come naturally to me. I'd hope they would see sense and say at 72 climbing in and out to have a shower might not last long, lets do the refit with a walk-in shower now. 10-15 years, is the length of time between a normal refit for HAs I believe.

Jude57

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81944223#Comment_81944223

I'm sure you'll have kept your home in good order and that you're an excellent tenant, as am I. I agree that future proofing is wise and that's why I'm suggesting you take the initiative and seek an assessment by your Council's Adaptations Team now, before the HA make any decisions about the refit. The Adaptations Team can access grant funding to carry out the work to install a level access shower and your HA will be used to dealing with them on such matters. Personally, I'd rather do that than wait until the HA works get underway. It's your decision of course but the sooner you take that first step, the sooner the work could be carried out to keep you safe in your home.