Adaptations and housing
Making your home accessible
We want to help people stay living safely at home for as long as possible. If you require additional support with getting around your home, there are lots of resources available to you.
How to get equipment and home adaptations yourself
You may want to explore the options available to you without requesting an assessment.
Option 1 - AskSara
You can consult 'AskSara'. This is an online self-help guide for further advice and information about products that make daily living easier.
AskSara is easy to use. It will ask you to:
- choose which subject you would like help and support with, examples include:
- bathing
- access
- mobility
- answer some questions about yourself and your environment
AskSara will produce a free personalised report with:
- clear, tailored advice on ways to help with daily activities and stay independent in your home
- an impartial list of products and equipment which may help you, with information on where to buy them
- further help and contacts for more information
- an option to save your report and share it with family, friends and care workers
You can complete AskSara online.
AskSara may indicate that you would benefit from an occupational therapy assessment. You can request this through our portal.
Option 2 - buying your own equipment
You can buy your own equipment online from various websites.
You can also contact or visit a local mobility shop. These have showrooms where you can see or trial items before you buy them. They can also arrange installation for you.
Southend based mobility shops
Mobility Solutions South
691 to 693 Southchurch Road, Southend-On-Sea, SS1 2PW
01702 618111
Able-Aid
864 to 866 London Road, Leigh-On-Sea, SS9 3NQ
01702 470581
Get help deciding what you need: occupational therapy (OT)
An assessment is available for people who are eligible and require specialist help to find solutions to their difficulties. The OT will assess your needs and make recommendations where appropriate for any necessary adaptations. The aim of the assessment is to use a person's strengths and minor equipment will always be considered first.
If smaller items of equipment have already been tried and are no longer meeting your needs, larger adaptations to your home may be considered. Adaptations will only be considered if they are essential for your daily needs. If the adaptation works are recommended and practical, we would then organise contractors to conduct the adaptations.
What type of work is undertaken?
Examples include, subject to practicality:
- ramps
- stairlifts
- bathroom adaptations
The Disabled Facilities Grant can be used to pay for major adaptations. AdaptMyHome offers some advice and information around the DFG.
Rehousing
If the property cannot be adapted to meet your needs, or you want to move to a more suitable property you will need to apply for social housing.
If you are a South Essex Homes tenant, you can apply via on the move.
However please be aware that the property you currently rent will be assessed first to ascertain if it can be adapted to meet your needs, before re-housing will be considered.