Assisted Living Solutions, Kitchens and Applicances framework

Housing associations can access our framework through direct award by obtaining proposals from eligible suppliers for straightforward requirements, or mini-competition between framework suppliers for complex projects or where demonstrating competitive value is required. The framework runs from 23 January 2023 to 22 January 2027 (FTS reference 2022/S 000-025024) covering five lots: domestic appliances, commercial laundry, kitchens and catering equipment, and assisted living solutions. Download our buyer’s guide for detailed supplier information and procurement guidance, or contact us today to discuss your needs.

Housing associations supporting young adults with disabilities or care needs require mobility solutions like stairlifts or through-floor lifts for accessible accommodation, adapted kitchens encouraging independent living skills, accessible domestic appliances positioned for safe use, and technology-enabled equipment supporting autonomy. Young adults transitioning to independent living benefit from equipment promoting self-sufficiency whilst ensuring safety. The framework enables housing associations to specify age-appropriate solutions supporting young disabled adults developing independent living capabilities within suitable accessible housing tailored to their long-term needs.

Stairlifts are more cost-effective, quicker to install (typically 12 working days), require minimal structural changes, and suit properties with existing staircases where only personal mobility access is needed. Through-floor lifts accommodate wheelchairs and mobility scooters, provide faster vertical travel, enable independent wheelchair access between floors, but require structural modifications and higher installation costs. Housing associations choose based on resident needs, property layout, available space, budget, and whether wheelchair access is required. Both options are available through the framework with installation, maintenance, and emergency support services.

Commercial appliances support assisted living schemes by providing robust equipment for communal facilities in extra care housing, sheltered accommodation, and supported living schemes. Commercial laundry equipment enables shared washing facilities for residents unable to manage individual machines, whilst commercial kitchen and catering equipment supports communal dining, social activities, and meal preparation services. Framework suppliers provide appliances with scheduled maintenance, rapid breakdown response, and all-inclusive rental packages ensuring continuous operation of essential facilities that support vulnerable residents and enable housing associations to deliver comprehensive support services.

Assisted living aids available through the framework include mobility equipment such as stairlifts and through-floor lifts enabling access throughout homes, accessible kitchen equipment with adjustable features for people with limited mobility, domestic appliances positioned appropriately for wheelchair users or people with physical limitations, and commercial equipment for communal facilities in supported housing schemes. These aids support residents with disabilities, older people, and vulnerable adults to maintain independence by making daily activities like cooking, laundry, and moving around their homes more manageable and safer.

Supported living refers to housing arrangements where people with disabilities or care needs receive personalised support services to live independently in their own tenancies, with care tailored to individual requirements. Assisted living typically describes facilities providing accommodation with on-site care services and communal facilities. In housing procurement context, assisted living solutions focus on equipment and adaptations like mobility aids, accessible appliances, and modified kitchens that enable residents to live independently whether in general needs housing, supported living schemes, or extra care facilities.

Assisted living for vulnerable adults in housing context refers to equipment, adaptations, and support services enabling people with physical disabilities, learning disabilities, mental health conditions, or age-related vulnerabilities to live safely and independently in their homes. This includes mobility solutions like stairlifts for physical access, accessible kitchens and appliances designed for ease of use, assistive technology, and adaptations funded through Disabled Facilities Grants. Housing associations use these solutions to support vulnerable residents maintaining tenancies in suitable accommodation with appropriate equipment meeting their specific needs.

Mobility equipment through the framework includes comprehensive support services with 24/7/365 emergency response for urgent repairs, scheduled maintenance packages preventing breakdowns, manufacturer warranty repairs, and experienced account management. Stairlift suppliers offer standard lead times from 12 working days, rapid service response attending sites within specified timeframes, and technical support addressing any operational issues. This ensures housing associations can maintain reliable mobility solutions for residents, meeting their duty of care obligations whilst minimising service disruption and resident inconvenience.

Accessible kitchens support independent living through features like adjustable height worktops accommodating wheelchair users or people with limited mobility, accessible storage within easy reach, appropriate appliance positioning, adequate circulation space for wheelchair manoeuvring, and slip-resistant flooring. The framework enables housing associations to specify kitchens meeting M4(2) or M4(3) accessibility standards for new builds or adapt existing kitchens through DFG funding. Properly designed accessible kitchens enable residents with disabilities to prepare meals independently, maintaining dignity and autonomy.

The framework covers design and supply of commercial and communal kitchens including catering equipment, with services spanning purchase, lease, delivery, scheduled maintenance, responsive repairs, duct cleaning, gas safety inspections, decommissioning, removal, and recycling. Solutions suit extra care schemes, sheltered housing communal areas, and housing association office facilities. Suppliers provide dedicated account management, market-leading equipment, all-inclusive rental packages, rapid repair response with 8-hour breakdown cover, and 24/7 helpdesk access ensuring continuous operation of essential catering facilities.

The framework provides commercial laundry appliances for communal or commercial settings with flexible arrangements including purchase, rental, or all-inclusive care packages. Solutions include industrial washing machines and dryers suitable for shared laundry facilities, 7-day breakdown cover including bank holidays, 8-hour emergency response times, and scheduled servicing. Rental options offer fixed monthly payments covering equipment, installation, servicing, duct cleaning, and breakdown cover with no wear and tear charges, providing predictable costs for housing associations managing communal facilities.

The framework provides a comprehensive range of domestic appliances including washing machines, tumble dryers, refrigerators, freezers, cookers, and dishwashers, with semi-commercial white goods options for housing schemes. Services include delivery, installation, removal of old appliances, and recycling. Suppliers provide warranty coverage, responsive service from order receipt, and customer support including call handling and digital ordering. This enables housing associations to equip properties efficiently whether for new tenancies, planned replacements, or emergency appliance failures.

Disabled Facilities Grants (DFG) are means-tested grants up to £30,000 provided by local authorities to fund essential home adaptations for disabled people, including stairlifts, accessible bathrooms, ramps, and adapted kitchens. Housing association tenants can apply for DFG funding for necessary adaptations enabling them to live safely and independently. DFG funding has increased to £711 million annually for 2024-25 and 2025-26. Housing associations often work with occupational therapists and local authorities to coordinate DFG applications and adaptations through compliant frameworks like PfH’s.

UK accessible housing is governed by Building Regulations Approved Document M, which defines three categories: M4(1) visitable dwellings with basic accessibility, M4(2) accessible and adaptable dwellings with features like wider doorways and accessible bathrooms, and M4(3) wheelchair user dwellings designed for immediate or adaptable wheelchair access. The government is moving towards mandating M4(2) as the minimum standard for new builds. Housing associations must also comply with Equality Act 2010 requirements when adapting existing properties for disabled residents.

Accessible homes are designed or adapted to meet the needs of people with disabilities or mobility limitations, incorporating features like level access entrances, wider doorways, accessible kitchens and bathrooms, space for wheelchair manoeuvring, and vertical access solutions like stairlifts. UK building regulations define accessibility standards including M4(2) accessible and adaptable dwellings and M4(3) wheelchair user dwellings. Housing associations must consider accessibility in new builds and adapt existing properties to support residents with changing needs throughout their tenancies.

Housing associations make homes accessible through adaptations including installing stairlifts or through-floor lifts for multi-level access, fitting accessible kitchens with adjustable worktops and accessible storage, providing appropriately positioned appliances, widening doorways, installing level access showers, and adapting communal facilities. Many adaptations are funded through Disabled Facilities Grants supporting residents to remain in their homes. PfH’s framework provides compliant procurement routes for accessibility equipment with specialist suppliers experienced in housing adaptations.

PfH’s Assisted Living Solutions framework provides comprehensive disabled access solutions including stairlifts and through-floor lifts for vertical access, accessible kitchens designed for wheelchair users or people with limited mobility, domestic appliances with accessibility features, commercial laundry equipment for communal schemes, and catering equipment for shared facilities. All solutions are available with installation, maintenance, and repair services across the UK, enabling housing associations to create fully accessible environments supporting residents with diverse accessibility requirements.

Mobility stairlifts are motorised seats that travel along rails fixed to staircases, enabling people with mobility limitations to access different floors safely without climbing stairs. Stairlifts benefit residents with disabilities, older people with reduced mobility, those recovering from injuries or surgery, and anyone finding stairs increasingly difficult. Housing associations use stairlifts to enable residents to remain in their homes rather than requiring ground-floor accommodation, supporting independent living whilst managing their housing stock effectively through Disabled Facilities Grant funding.

Mobility solutions for accessible housing include stairlifts for multi-storey properties, through-floor lifts providing vertical access between levels, platform lifts for wheelchair users, and step lifts for external access. PfH’s framework provides access to specialist mobility equipment suitable for planned works, new build schemes, investment projects, and responsive repairs. Solutions are available with installation, maintenance packages, and 24/7 emergency response support, ensuring housing associations can provide reliable access solutions for residents with mobility limitations.

In accessible housing, assisted living solutions refer to equipment, appliances, and adaptations that enable residents with disabilities or limited mobility to live independently and safely in their homes. This includes mobility solutions like stairlifts and through-floor lifts, accessible kitchens with adjustable features, domestic appliances positioned for easy use, and commercial equipment for communal facilities. These solutions support housing associations in creating accessible environments that promote resident independence and comply with accessibility standards.

Independent living refers to adaptations and equipment that enable people to live autonomously in their own homes with minimal support, including mobility solutions like stairlifts, accessible kitchens, and assistive appliances. Assisted living typically refers to care facilities providing accommodation with support services. In housing context, assisted living solutions focus on equipment and adaptations that support independent living by making homes accessible for people with disabilities or mobility limitations, enabling them to maintain independence whilst receiving care if needed.