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. Lewisham Homes can provide some basic adaptations to your home without an assessment from Lewisham Council’s Community Occupational Therapy Service.
Here is a list of the basic adaptations which can be installed by Lewisham Homes without an assessment:
Rails
Main entrance support rails:
- grab-rails;
- hand rails; and
- stair hand-rails.
Other 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; and
- Safety glass.
Visual impairment needs
- Staircase applications, for example: highlighting edge of steps, colour contrast rails; and
- Colour contrast for bathroom grab rails and kitchen cupboard handles.
Hearing impairment needs
- Flashing doorbells; and
- Vibrating smoke alarm alerts.
Who qualifies for an adaptation?
You must either:
- be a tenant who has a disability;
- be an elderly tenant; or
- 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 provided by Lewisham Homes?
You can call out Customer Contact Centre on 0800 208 2028 press 1 or email repairs@lewishamhomes.org.uk.
You can contact your local housing office for advice on the Aids and Adaptations service.
How much do basic adaptations provided by Lewisham Homes cost?
Provided you meet the criteria above, Lewisham Homes does not charge for this service.
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 will refer you to Lewisham Council's Community Occupational Therapy Service.
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 Lewisham Council's Community Occupational Therapy Service directly. They provide information and advice to residents on managing daily activities. 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; and
- Additional hand-set for an intercom.
Major
- Stair lifts;
- Through floor lifts;
- Level access showers; and
- Extensive ramps.
How do I contact Lewisham’s Community Occupational Therapy Service?
You can call the Occupational Therapy Service on 020 8314 7777 Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
A duty Occupational Therapist will then call you back between the hours of 9am to 11.30am, Monday to Friday. Alternatively you can email info.OTS@lewisham.gov.uk.
How long will I have to wait for more a complex or extensive adaptation?
Lewisham Council's Community Occupational Therapy team aims to carry out an assessment within two working days. This initial assessment is to establish the best ways to help you and will usually be done over the telephone.
If you meet the necessary criteria, the team will then carry out a home assessment to determine what type of adaptation or equipment is required within 28 working days.
If minor adaptations are required, they will aim to complete these within seven working days, from the time an initial assessment is completed.
Before major adaptations can go ahead, surveys and referrals to specialist teams and building contractors may be necessary, especially if structural alterations are needed. The average time for such works to be completed is 13 weeks. If any structural alterations are required, this will be discussed with you by the Occupational Therapy service.
What is Linkline?
Linkline is Lewisham Council’s 24 hour support service for elderly or vulnerable residents. Linkline 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 anyone who feels at risk in their own home because of age, disability, isolation, illness or vulnerability. For more information contact:
Useful documents
Download our Aids & Adaptations leaflet for more information on possible adaptations to your home.
