Our Story
I grew up with my brother in Loughton, Essex in a house built in the 1920s. When my mother was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis my dad, then in his early 50s, took early retirement to become her main carer. Her developing condition gradually diminished her mobility, until she was completely wheelchair-bound. During this time, we had some basic adaptations carried out in the family home – a ground floor shower room, grabrails and some ramps, and they were helpful in enabling Mum to be wheeled around the house easily. So, from a very early age I quickly realised the huge difference adaptations can make to the life of a disabled person. I see now that that probably gave me the inclination to enter the construction industry, and I started out as a carpentry apprentice.
Dad was a very active 75-year-old when our mother passed away. But without the responsibility of looking after Mum, Grandad Don (as we all called him) started to age quickly. So we carried out further adaptations to the house including the installation of a level access shower and a ground floor bedroom. These enabled Dad to remain living independently until he passed away at the ripe old age of 95. That extended period of independent living made a huge difference to us all.
I realised that people are living longer and, with the knowledge that it’s nearly always better to for older people or those with disabilities to live independently in their own homes, I set up John Ford Group as a home adaptation specialist. Focussed solely on adapting standard homes, we enable people to remain living independently rather than moving into residential care. Whether it’s a grab rail, a wet room or a full house conversion, we understand the difference adaptations can make to people and their families.
I know what it is to be a 10-year-old boy who can wheel his mother around the family home. I’ve stood and watched as my own children delighted in visiting their grandad in his own home for many years. And I’ve seen how the right adaptations empower people to remain living independently in their own homes. A winning combination – and, as Grandad Don would say, all very worthy of a thumbs up!
We support deputies and solicitors by delivering professional, timely home adaptations that comply with legal standards, aiding client independence and safeguarding long term well being.
We collaborate with case managers to develop tailored adaptation solutions that support rehabilitation goals, enhance client safety, and facilitate smooth transitions to home environments.
Working closely with occupational therapists, we translate clinical recommendations into practical adaptations, ensuring functional, safe, and comfortable homes for clients.
Partnering with specialist architects, we integrate innovative design and construction expertise to deliver bespoke, compliant adaptations that meet complex client needs.
AREAS COVERED
John Ford Group is based in Chelmsford, Essex and provides house adaptions in domestic and commercial properties.
We work in Essex, but happy to travel further afield for the right project!
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