If a tenant or a member of their family has a disability or illness that makes living in their home difficult, we may be able to help by adapting their home to make it easier or safer to live in.

We have a programme of works, known as 'disabled adaptations' that are priority improvement works designed to assist or improve the living conditions of people with illness or disability.

The type of adaptations we may be able to carry out include:

• fixing handrails or grabrails;
• installing stair lifts (where appropriate);
• building ramps;
• removing door thresholds; and
• installing level-access showers (i.e. no step).

To make sure that we act fairly and provide the most suitable adaptations for those in the greatest need, all applicants have to have their needs assessed by an Occupational Therapist (OT).

Initial applications for disabled adaptation works can be made by contacting Social Services Direct on 0845 603 7630. The staff will discuss each request and advise the applicant whether they are eligible for an assessment. As there is a high demand for works of this nature, there are a number of criteria that have to be met to qualify for an assessment. If these criteria are met and the OT agrees that the property should be adapted, they will carry out a visit to decide what work needs to be carried out. They will then make a recommendation to us that this work is necessary and appropriate and we will arrange for this to be carried out. How long the tenant then has to wait will depend on the type of work, the number of others waiting to have their homes adapted, and the amount of money available.

For minor adaptations such as grab rails, kitchen lever taps, flashing doorbells etc, the special needs officer in Housing Services may be able to help and you can contact them by telephoning 01255 686499.

To learn more about the Occupation Therapy Team, please go to the Essex County Council Occupational Therapy web page.