Equipment and adaptations for older and disabled people

Our occupational therapy service offers a range of services and advice on ways to adapt your home, such as installing a wheelchair ramp, extra handrails, or a stair lift.

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You may need to adapt your home because of a disability or old age or get equipment that can help you manage everyday tasks around the home. This and other types of support can help you stay living independently in your own home.

Occupational Therapy

Occupational Therapy staff support residents and their carers who are living with a disability or long-term health condition. Our goal is to help people remain safely and independently in their own homes.

Staff will assess how you manage daily activities at home, such as bathing, using the toilet, getting in and out of bed and how you move around your home.

Support may include advice, equipment, recommendations to adapt your home, or referrals to other organisations that can help you.

We aim to carry out assessments as quickly as possible, but there can be a wait during busy periods. People will be assessed quickly if things are urgent.

Request an assessment

If you need equipment, and adaptation to your home or advice on how to carry out daily tasks, you can get an assessment from an Occupational Therapist. 

To request this, please contact:

We will first have a conversation with you about your situation and find out how we can help. 

Handyperson service 

If you are aged 65 years or over, you may be able to use the free Harmony House handyperson service for help with small jobs you find difficult to do, and that will reduce hazards and so prevent falls.  You can contact Harmoney House directly to access this.

Anyone* who lives in their own home or rented property can access the service if they are:

  • Aged 65 years and over
  • have a disability or is vulnerable
  • are being or have recently been discharged from hospital
  • at high risk of falling due to a medical condition

*Proof of eligibility may be needed, and priority will be given to people who live on their own, or where all household members meet the criteria.

The handyperson can do lots of small jobs. Examples include:

  • fitting grab rails
  • making loose carpets and trailing wires safe
  • moving small items of furniture around
  • one-off gardening work to make your garden safer
  • any other small jobs to make your home safer and free from trip hazards

The type of work is limited to small DIY type jobs, taking no more than half a day to carry out.

Equipment and simple aids

Equipment and simple aids include bath seats to help get in and out of the bath, or kitchen aids to help prepare meals.  Occupational Therapy staff can help you agree what equipment you might need. You may also benefit from care technology to help stay safe and independent at home.

The council works with an organisation called Medequip to provide people with the equipment they need. 

If you need a wheelchair, please speak to your GP in the first instance.

Returning equipment

If you already have equipment that you no longer need, Medequip can arrange a free collection, to recycle and help others in need. 

To find out more visit returning equipment or contact Medequip on 020 8709 7050 or email woodford@medequip-uk.com.

Minor adaptations

Minor adaptations include stair rails to help you get up the stairs, or fixed shower seats to help you wash. 

Occupational Therapy staff can help you agree on what minor adaptations you might need.

Making a minor adaptation is dependent on ownership of your property. 

  • If you live in privately rented housing, the council will need your landlord's permission before we are able to install rails or other minor adaptations.
  • Housing Associations usually undertake minor adaptations for their tenants based on council recommendations.

Major adaptations

Major adaptations include widening doorways, installing ramps or other big changes to help you move around and live in your home. 

Occupational Therapy staff will recommend major adaptations through an assessment if it is necessary and appropriate to meet the needs of a person who has a permanent disability and has a substantial/critical need.

Once an adaptation has been agreed, the process of arranging for the adaptations to be carried out will depend upon who owns your home. 

  • If you are either the owner or a tenant of your property you can apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) towards the adaptations. This is a grant from the council if you’re disabled and need to make changes to your home.
  • Council tenants should not apply for the Disabled Facilities Grant because major adaptations in council housing are funded through another route.

A Disabled Facilities Grant is means tested, which means that some people may have to pay a contribution towards their grant. 

More information