Adaptations to stay independent

We can enable older residents and disabled residents to live independently.

Aids and adaptations

If you or someone you live with finds it difficult to get around your home, you may be able to get help to maintain or improve your independence.

We can provide some basic adaptations to your home without an assessment from our Occupational Therapy Service, who provide more complex adaptations.

Who qualifies for an adaptation?

You must either:

• be a tenant who has a disability
• be an elderly tenant (over 60)
• have a long term or terminal illness which causes you to have difficulties coping or carrying out everyday activities

How do I apply for a basic adaptation?

You can call our Customer Contact Centre on 0800 028 2028.

We don't charge for this service - provided you meet the criteria above.

How long will I have to wait for a basic adaptation?

We will visit your home for an inspection to confirm what basic adaptations are needed and we aim to have the works completed within 15 days of the initial request. If your needs are more complex we'll refer you to our Community Occupational Therapy Service.

How do I contact Lewisham’s Occupational Therapy Service?

You can call our Occupational Therapy Service on 020 8314 7777, or email info.OTS@lewisham.gov.uk.

We'll try to establish the best ways to help you. If you meet the necessary criteria, we'll carry out a home assessment within 28 working days, to determine what type of adaptation or equipment you need.

If minor adaptations are required, they will aim to complete these within seven working days, from the time an initial assessment is completed. Major adaptations including structural alterations can take around 13 weeks.

What is Linkline?

Linkline is Lewisham Council’s 24 hour support service for elderly or vulnerable residents. It helps to give these residents the freedom to live their life independently knowing that they can call for help when needed. The service is available to you if you feel at risk in your own home because of age, disability, isolation, illness or vulnerability. Call Linkline on 020 8314 3141 or email linkline@lewisham.gov.uk.

Basic adaptations which we can provide

Rails

Main entrance support rails:

• grab-rails
• hand rails
• stair handrails

Internal changes

• level internal door threshold strips
• kitchen lever taps
• kitchen cupboard handles
• bathroom lever taps
• WC flush handles
• alter heights of power points and electric sockets
• door and wall protectors
• safety glass

Visual impairment needs

• staircase applications, for example: highlighting edge of steps, colour contrast rails
• colour contrast for bathroom grab rails and kitchen cupboard handles

Hearing impairment needs

• flashing doorbells
• vibrating smoke alarm alerts

What happens if my needs are more complex or the works required are more extensive?

If you know your needs are more complex or the works required are more extensive you can contact the occupational therapy service for more advice. They will make an assessment of whether an adaptation or equipment will help you to live independently in your home. Examples of these are:

Minor

• simple ramps
• half steps
• metal support rails
• additional hand-set for an intercom

Major

• stair lifts
• through floor lifts
• level access showers
• extensive ramps

Aids and adaptions policy

You can download our aids and adaptions policy from the policy library.