Adaptations to stay independent
We can enable residents to live independently and safely in their own homes by responding to their changing needs through housing adaptations and supporting their health and wellbeing.
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.
Adaptations fall into two broad categories: minor and major. We can provide some minor adaptations to your home without an assessment from our Occupational Therapist Team.
Where the adaptations are more complex or major, then they will required an assessment from our Occupational Therapist Team.
Who qualifies for an adaptation?
You must be a council tenant who either:
- be a tenant who has a disability
- have a long term or terminal illness which causes you to have difficulties coping or carrying out everyday activities
- experience challenges living independently, and adaptations could help promote independence
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.
Where required, we will signpost or refer you to the Occupational Therapist Team- particularly in cases involving major adaptations, more than one type of minor need, or where a full home assessment is required.
How long will I have to wait for a basic adaptation?
Where adaptations are minor and don’t require an assessment by an Adult Social Care Occupational Therapist, our repairs service will visit your home for an inspection to confirm what minor adaptations are needed and we aim to have the works completed within 15 days of the initial request.
If your needs are more complex or you need multiple minor adpatations, we'll refer you to our Occupational Therapist Team.
How do I contact Lewisham’s Occupational Therapy Service?
You can call our Gateway on 020 8314 7777, or email gateway@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 14 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 email linkline@lewisham.gov.uk.
Minor adaptations which we can provide
Rails
Main entrance support rails:
- grab-rails
- hand rails
- stair handrails
- external metal support rails
- half steps
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
- additional handset for an intercom
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'll assess whether an adaptation or equipment will help you to live independently in your home. Examples of these are:
Major
- stair lifts
- through floor lifts
- level access showers
- extensive ramps
Aids and adaptations policy
You can download our aids and adaptations policy from the policy library.