Improvements in your home

Helping you stay safe, confident and independent in your own home.

What are adaptations?

Adaptations are changes made to your home to help you stay independent. These can range from small equipment installations to major structural work. The goal is to help you manage everyday activities and reduce risks - especially if you're disabled, older, recovering from illness, or caring for someone at home.

How to get adaptations to your home

To access this support, you’ll need a Care Act needs assessment by Lewisham Adult Social Care.

We’ll consider:

your health and care needs
whether you own or rent your home
the type of tenancy you have
whether your home is suitable for adaptation

You can request a needs assessment via: 020 8314 7777, gateway@lewisham.gov.uk or request an assessment online.

Minor adaptations for Council or Housing Association tenants

If you're a Council or housing association tenant, your landlord is required to provide minor adaptations without delay if:

you are at risk of falls
you have a health or social care need

These minor adaptations can include:

grab rails (toilet, bath, shower)
lever taps
door widening
window openers
raised sockets and extra power outlets
half steps
door entry systems and flashing doorbells
easy-flush toilet systems

These adaptations are designed to keep you safe and can often be installed more quickly than waiting for a full social care assessment.

If you are a Council tenant please contact the Customer Contact Centre on 0800 028 2028 or your landlord directly for more information.

Major adaptations and disabled facilities grant

For more complex or larger-scale home changes - such as walk-in showers, stairlifts, or external ramps - you may be eligible for a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG).

You must:

be disabled (or caring for someone who is)
have a needs assessment confirming the requirement
meet the DFG financial eligibility criteria

The DFG can cover adaptations such as:

widening doors and installing ramps, providing or improving access to rooms and facilities
improving or providing a suitable heating system
improving access to and movement around the home
improving access to and from the garden where feasible
facilitating the preparation and cooking of food by the disabled person
assistive technology to maintain or improve an individual's functioning and independence
helping a disabled person move into a decent home which is already suitable or which is capable of being easily adapted to meet their needs (maximum £6,000)

Learn more: Disabled Facilities Grant

If you rent privately

If you’re a private tenant, you’ll need your landlord’s permission before we can proceed with any major adaptations. We’ll support you through the process and can talk to your landlord if needed.

Equipment as an alternative

In many cases, daily living equipment can support you at home without needing full adaptations.

This includes:

toilet frames
shower chairs
bed rails
perching stools
mobility aids

Explore Equipment and Technology support.

Book an assessment

To get started, request a Care Act assessment with us. We’ll explore your needs, home environment, and the best way to support your independence.

Published on: 03/11/2025