Common minor home adaptations include:

  1. Grab rails - Grab rails are usually placed near a bath or toilet.
  2. Handrails - Handrails make stairs and steps safer to use.
  3. Lever taps - Lever taps make it easier to turn taps on and off.
  4. Alert devices - Alert devices include fire alarms, smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.
  5. Visibility improvements - These include changing the type of lighting, upgrading home access or improving heating or surface finishes. We aim to complete minor adaptations within 28 days of receiving the necessary documents.

Eastlight will accept referrals from a Community Agent, statutory service provider (such as a GP or Social Prescriber) or the Local Authority for minor aids or adaptations. Once a referral has been completed, these can be sent directly to our team via email at: adaptations@eastlighthomes.co.uk

Common major home adaptations include:

  1. Stair lifts - If you have mobility issues and struggle with the stairs in your home, a stair lift can make a big difference by helping you to access more areas of your home safely.
  2. Hoists - Mechanical hoists can help move someone from one position to another, for example, to help get you in and out of bed.
  3. Level-access showers - A level-access shower area has no step or lip, making it safer and easier to get in and out if you have mobility issues.
  4. Complex ramping - If you use a wheelchair or other mobility support, a ramp can give you improved access to different levels in your home or building. This means you can access more areas of your home with confidence.
  5. Wheelchair-accessible spaces - Accessible spaces specifically for wheelchair users can be created within your home.

These kinds of home improvements often involve structural changes to your home or building. This means we’ll also carry out an asbestos survey if we don’t already have one on file for your home.

Eastlight will only consider requests for major adaptations that are supported by an Occupational Therapist Assessment (OTA). Requests for major adaptations will be referred for funding through grant processes, such as the Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) managed by the Local Authority. Eastlight will also require completion of a Landlords Consent Home Alteration Form before any major changes can be made to your home.

Who can apply?

If you’re an Eastlight tenant, you can request aids and adaptations for yourself or a partner or immediate family member living in your home, or someone you know can do it on your behalf. If you’re a leaseholder or shared owner, please contact us before making any alterations to your home.

How do I apply?

Eastlight will accept referrals from a Community Agent, statutory service provider (such as a GP or Social Prescriber) or the Local Authority for minor aids or adaptations. Once a referral has been completed, these can be sent directly to our team via email at: adaptations@eastlighthomes.co.uk.

If major adaptations are required within your home, then you will need to arrange an Occupational Therapist Assessment through the relevant local authority:

Suffolk: Independent Living Suffolk’ on 0800 121 7711 or visit their website here.

Essex: Essex County Council on 0345 603 7630 (option 2) or visit their website here.

Disabled Facilities Grant for major adaptations

You can apply to your local authority for a means-tested grant (Disabled Facilities Grant) to help with the cost of making major adaptations in your home. If you’re successful, the adaptations will be made in line with the recommendations from the occupational therapist. We can liaise with your local council to support you in this process.

Is there anyone else that can help me?

You are free to approach Adult Social Care yourself, at any time, to discuss your care and support needs. For further advice and information about home aids and adaptations, please contact us via adaptations@eastlighthomes.co.uk.

 

From Friday, 31 May 2024, all stairlift and through-floor lift safety checks and repairs will be completed by Mountfield Services.

The process for booking repairs remains the same, so please contact us directly on 0330 128 0330 to book a repair.

Mountfield Services will contact you to arrange an appointment for your annual safety check when it is due.