Equipment and adaptations

Adult Social Care will work with you to look at ways to help you stay independent. As part of this it will be considered whether there is any daily living equipment that might help you, or adaptations that could be made to your home. You can start your assessment online to look at how you manage everyday tasks and move around your home by visiting eastsussex.gov.uk/assess-yourself

If you live in East Sussex, and if you are eligible for support to help make your home safe, then you may be offered an occupational therapy clinic appointment. The clinics will enable you to speak to a member of the occupational therapy service, who will help you to identify equipment and small adaptations that could help. The clinics can also support you to access a carers’ assessment. Please contact Health and Social Care Connect to find out more.

In Brighton & Hove, Access Point can offer you free information and advice about equipment and will also offer you an assessment if appropriate. However, if you want to buy your own equipment, or pay for an occupational therapist to assess you in your home, visit the Safe and Well website at safeandwell.co.uk/brighton-hove or phone 01273 894359.

Adapting your home

If you, or someone living in your property, have a disability, you may benefit from an adaptation to your home, such as a stairlift or level-access shower. Depending on your needs, you may be able to receive a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) to help with the cost of your adaptations. A DFG is a means-tested grant administered by local Councils according to need. You can apply whether you are the owner of the property or a tenant. However, you may have to pay a contribution towards the cost. Adult Social Care will advise you; see contact details below. You could contact your local Age UK, listed on pages 65 and 67. For information about equipment for carers, see page 43.

For more information about the DFG and how to apply, visit gov.uk/disabled-facilities-grants

East Sussex Health and Social Care Connect

Tel: 0345 60 80 191 Email: HSCC@eastsussex.gov.uk Web: eastsussex.gov.uk/adapt

Brighton & Hove Access Point

Tel: 01273 295555 Email: AccessPoint@brighton-hove.gov.uk Web: brighton-hove.gov.uk/adaptations

If you need major adaptations to your home, an occupational therapist might arrange a home visit to assess what adaptations are needed and to discuss the options with you.

All applications for grant assistance are dealt with by the Housing Adaptations Service. The Council must be satisfied that the proposed adaptations are all necessary and appropriate, reasonable and practicable, and must be satisfied about the overall feasibility of the work if it is to give a DFG.

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