Improvements in your 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.
Please contact your housing officer or 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:
- Level-access bathrooms
- Stairlifts or through-floor lifts
- Ramps and widened doorways
- Kitchen adaptations
- Extensions to create ground-floor bedrooms or wet rooms
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.
Call: 020 8314 7777
Email: gateway@lewisham.gov.uk