Eleanor Whitaker is a Senior Occupational Therapist registered with the HCPC and a member of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists. With 16 years of experience in both NHS community teams and private practice, she specialises in major home adaptations and Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) applications. She currently advises housing associations on accessible design standards.
Eleanor Whitaker is a highly experienced Senior Occupational Therapist who graduated with honours from the University of Southampton. She has spent over 16 years working at the intersection of healthcare and housing, specifically focusing on how environmental design impacts long-term independence for seniors. Her career began in NHS community rapid response teams, where she witnessed firsthand how poor home layouts contribute to falls and hospital admissions. Eleanor later transitioned to a specialist role within a Local Authority, overseeing complex Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) applications and ensuring compliance with Part M of the Building Regulations. She possesses deep technical expertise in designing accessible bathrooms, specifying through-floor lifts, and calculating ramp gradients that meet strict safety codes. Eleanor is passionate about 'future-proofing' homes, advocating for adaptations that are not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing to preserve the homeowner's dignity. She regularly conducts workshops for families on how to navigate the social care system and effectively communicate needs to contractors. Her writing aims to demystify the technical jargon of home adaptation, empowering families to make informed decisions that allow their loved ones to age in place safely.