Adaptations
Adaptations are changes to a property that help disabled or older people to live independently in their home and maintain a good quality of life. Adaptations can enable family members, carers and personal assistants to help with moving and handling given the appropriate guidance and training.
Do you have a permanent illness or disability? Does this effect how you are able to manage in your home?
If your current home is causing you problems because of permanent illness or disability and a move to another property would alleviate the difficulties you are experiencing, then you can apply for priority under the terms of the HomeChoice scheme.
Awarding priority based on medical need is the responsibility of Gateshead Council. The criteria to be awarded priority is detailed below:
1. You are currently in hospital and cannot be discharged, as your current home is not suitable for your needs. This also includes being moved from hospital to respite care, intermediate care or other short-term solutions that are of a temporary nature.
2. A specialist health professional has stated that your condition is such that if you do not move your life may be at risk.
How do I apply?
You must have a housing application registered and you will also need to complete a medical application form.
You will need to sign the form. By signing the form you are giving permission for us to contact your doctor, consultant or other specialist for further information. All information given will be kept confidential. No information will be given out without your permission.
Medical application forms| are available from the Local Offices of The Gateshead Housing Company, from Housing Services at the Civic Centre.
You need to return the medical application form| to the Health and Housing Support Team. Housing Services. Civic Centre, NE8 1HH.
Do I need Doctor's Letters?
You do not need to ask your doctor for a letter, but if you do have any letters of support, which you think we should see, please gives us these with your application form.
What happens when I return my medical priority application form?
The Health and Housing Support Team will process your application and will inform you in writing of the decision. This may include a home visit.
What happens if my medical condition gets worse?
If you have previously been refused priority status but feel that your condition has worsened, you can ask, at any time, for your circumstances to be re-considered by completing a new medical priority application form.
Where can I get further information?
You can contact the Health and Housing Support Team at the Civic Centre. Tel: 0191 433 2913
You can also e-mail: healthandhousingsupport@gateshead.Gov.uk|
What if I am a Gateshead Housing Company tenant and need an adaptation?
The Gateshead Housing Company works closely with Gateshead Council to meet the needs of council tenants. For Gateshead Council tenants, any approved adaptation will be fitted for free. The Gateshead Housing Company is also improving council homes so they meet and exceed the national 'Decent Homes' standard.
This work will ensure that all Gateshead Council homes will be energy efficient, warm, weatherproof and have modern facilities. During certain home improvement work, adaptations can be made to properties, where appropriate.
For example, if you are due to have a kitchen or bathroom refurbished and an adaptation is needed in either the kitchen or bathroom, The Gateshead Housing Company will endeavour to carry out the adaptation as part of the refurbishment.
It is also possible, depending on the scope of improvement work due to be done to your home, to fit light switches at a lower level, raise the height of low plug sockets, fit alarms for the hearing impaired and provide colour contrasting kitchens for people who are visually impaired.
What are the types of Adaptations & Equipment?
There are two types of adaptations – minor and major. People who might need major adaptations are assessed by Gateshead Council’s Community Occupational Therapy Service.
Gateshead Council’s Adaptations Team then arranges installation of any recommended adaptations that are needed to meet a person’s essential needs.
What are minor adaptations?
Minor adaptations are fixed alterations that cost less than £1,000. A Rapid Response Team installs some of these minor adaptations. Examples include:
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grab rails
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hand rails
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bannister rails
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door-entry systems
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alterations to steps
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widening of a door or path
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fixed-floor toilet frame
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fold-down rails (sometimes called cantilever rails)
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loop system
Minor adaptations such as handrails
What are major adaptations?
Major adaptations are alterations that normally cost more then £1,000. They sometimes cause the tenant some disruption when work is carried out.
Examples include:
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ramps
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widening of doors
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stairlifts
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vertical lift
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shower over a bath
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level-access shower
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ceiling track hoist
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alterations to the level of essential kitchen work surfaces.
Major adaptations can include internal and external changes to the layout of a property. However, it is only in very exceptional circumstances that a property will be extended. There will also be some situations where it will be appropriate to explore the option of alternative accommodation. Gateshead Council will arrange the regular servicing and maintenance of some adaptations in tenant's homes. Other adaptations such as showers, are repaired via the Home Repairs service.
Major adaptations such as lifts and stairlifts
What is community equipment?
Community equipment can help people to live independently.
This equipment is different from minor adaptations and is loaned to people by the Gateshead Equipment Service.
Examples include:
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toileting equipment, such as commodes and bedpans
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moving and handling equipment, such as mobile hoists and transfer boards
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pressure relieving equipment, such as cushions
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bathing equipment, such as bath seats and shower chairs
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chairs and chair raisers
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television amplifiers and vibrating alarm clocks
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trolleys and tables.
Community equipment such as bath seats
Who do I contact if I think I need an adaptation?
For community equipment, major adaptations and all other minor adaptations, or if you have any social care needs that you feel Gateshead Council could help you with, then call Adult Social Care Direct| for advice and information. Please contact us via the address on the right of this page.
They will ask for some details about the person who might need equipment or adaptations and their home.
With regard to major adaptations, after you have contacted Gateshead Council you will be contacted by the Adaptations Team to discuss the referral further.
The Adaptations Team may also request a feasibility study at this stage, especially if the referral is in relation to problems with access.
If a member of the Occupational Therapist Team (OT) is required to carry out an assessment of need, the referral details will be allocated to a member of the OT team to visit and assess your needs.
Please see the address on the right of this page for details of whom to contact.
Adapting a home for wheelchair access
What Happens Next ?
If you have asked for help with community equipment, your details will be passed to the Gateshead Equipment Service, who will then contact you.
For minor adaptations you will be allocated an Assessing Officer.
For major adaptations a referral will be made to the Community Occupational Therapy Team. You will then be contacted either by telephone or in writing by The Adaptations Team.
Priority is given to:
people with a terminal illness or severe deteriorating condition
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people whose care arrangements have broken down
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people waiting to come out of hospital.
Assessments will highlight your essential needs and make recommendations about how to meet them.
A friend, relative or advocate can attend the assessment if you need support from someone you know.
During the assessment, the Assessing Officer will talk to you about what you want and what we can do. Your choices and preferences will be discussed and recorded with you and your family. However, they may not be agreed in the final recommendations