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Greater independence is usually achieved by the provision
of equipment and adaptations within your existing
accommodation.
We will always look at the most modest solution to a problem.
For example, if you cannot manage to get in and out of the bath
safely, the provision of basic bathing equipment may be all that is
required to enable you to regain independence. There is often no
need for complex, lengthy and disruptive alterations such as the
installation of a shower.
Where this cannot be achieved, we may recommend re-housing or
more major adaptations to your existing property to resolve the
difficulties, for example installing a shower or a vertical
lift.
Equipment
Equipment is provided, free of charge, by either our council
stores or a joint council and NHS store. If you no longer need the
equipment, you can let us know and we will collect it.
Basic items of equipment which are in stock will usually be
delivered within seven working days. Non-stock items of equipment
which have to be ordered or which may need to be manufactured
specially will take longer to provide.
Smaller items of equipment such as special cutlery or 'helping
hands' are not provided by the Occupational Therapy Service. You
can buy these types of equipment from local or national suppliers.
Please contact your
Occupational Therapy Service local team for more details.
All provided equipment remains the property of Kent County
Council or the NHS and will be maintained as required and replaced
if necessary.
Minor adaptations
Minor adaptations include the following:
- fitting stair rails
- fitting grab rails
- adapting steps
- raising the height of beds and chairs
These are usually carried out by our own technicians and there
is usually no charge for this service. The only exception to this
may be if you live in a local authority, housing association or
privately-rented property. In this instance the work may be carried
out by the landlord's own technicians and you may have to pay a
small charge to the owner of the property.
Major adaptations
If the problems you are experiencing cannot be resolved by the
provision of equipment or minor adaptations, we may need to look at
having major adaptations made to the property. Major adaptations
can include the following:
- changing the layout of rooms
- changing the use of rooms
- extending the property if the available space within it is not
adequate
This type of work is not funded by us. To help with the cost
there are currently grants available from
district, borough and city councils called
Disabled Facilities Grants (this link will
open in a new window). These grants are means
tested* so you may not be eligible for some or any help
towards the cost of your work.
If, at this stage, you feel that you are unable to pay this
contribution then you will need to find an alternative source of
funding, for example a commercial loan from a bank or building
society. If you are genuinely unable to meet the cost or have any
concerns about this then discuss the problem with your occupational
therapist.
Applications for these grants require the support of an
occupational therapist. They must be approved before the work is
undertaken, and the grant cannot be paid after the work has been
carried out.
*Applications made in respect of a child are no longer
means tested. |