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. 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 adaptations which can be installed by Lewisham Homes without an assessment:

Rails

• Main entrance support rails;
• Grab-rails;
• Hand rails;
• 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 be either:

• A tenant who has a disability;
• Elderly; or
• Have a long term or terminal illness which causes you to have difficulties coping or carrying out everyday activities.

How do I apply?

You can contact your local housing office for advice on the Aids and Adaptations 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 three weeks of the initial request. If your needs are more complex we will refer you to Lewisham Community Occupational 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’s Community Occupational Therapy Service. 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’s Community Occupational Therapy Team aim 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, Lewisham’s Community Occupational Therapy Team will carry out a home assessment to determine what type of adaptation or equipment is required within 28 working days.

Lewisham’s Community Occupational Therapy Team aim to carry out minor adaptations within seven working days, from the time an 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 works to be completed is 13 weeks. If any structural alterations are required, this will be discussed with you by the Community Occupational Therapy service.

Download Aids & Adaption Leaflet