Equipment and adaptations

What is the Equipment and Adaptation Service?

Equipment and Adaptation Service provides equipment and/or adaptations for people living in North Lanarkshire following an assessment of need from health and social care staff or for any person who has completed a guided self-assessment for minor equipment through Making Life Easier. 

The service also provides NHS equipment to South Lanarkshire residents. 

The range of equipment provided includes:

• Assistive Technology
• Sensory Impairment Items
• Bathing
• Toileting
• Grabrails

Equipment Service

North Lanarkshire Health and Social Care is committed to prioritise resources and safeguard the most vulnerable in our communities while enabling people to live independently where appropriate. Our prioritisation framework will continue to support those who have a substantial or critical need through provision of equipment and adaptations. 

As part of our enabling strategy, we may provide you with information and signposting to local organisations and supports that are available to allow you to self-manage and continue to live independently without using services.

When you no longer need your equipment or your equipment needs to be repaired

Contact the Equipment and Adaptation Service for more information on collection, uplift and repair of equipment.

Adaptation Service

What are home adaptations? 

Adapting your home means making changes to help you manage everyday tasks and stay independent at home for longer.

We look at everyone's situation individually by giving you an assessment of need (also known as a community care assessment) and will let you know what we can do to help you adapt to your home.

Examples of these adaptations include: 

• Wet floor shower area
• Ramps for wheelchair access (not for mobility scooters)
• Widening doorways
• Through-floor lifts
• Identifying alternative housing solutions.

Major changes to your home should be carefully researched and planned. You may even wish to adapt your own house - please visit the Scottish Government website for more information.

If you live in a rented property, you will need to get your landlord's written permission to make changes.

How much does it cost?

Following an assessment, an occupational therapist will determine whether an adaptation is suitable or support you towards alternative housing options. There will be no charge for the work needed if you are a council or housing association tenant and an occupational therapist has assessed you as requiring a permanent adaptation.

Owner Occupier/Private Rented

You will be eligible for grant funding of 80% of the approved costs if you are an owner occupier or private rented tenure. Your landlord must agree to the changes once an occupational therapist has assessed you and recommended a permanent adaptation. 

In some circumstances, a 100% grant is awarded depending on receipt of qualifying benefits:

• Universal Credit – Standard Amount Only (No other elements of UC will be considered)
• Employment & Support Allowance (Income Related)
• Pension Credit (Guaranteed Element Only)

It is the responsibility of the homeowner, tenant or landlord to maintain the adaptation. 

Disability Information Officers

We have two Disability Information Officers who provide a comprehensive information, advice, and support service for disabled people, carers, all staff and the local community.

They:

• Provide information and advice on social work and other council services and how to access them.
• Support with Making Life Easier, our online resource offering information, professional advice and direct access to services and support.
• Liaise with Third Sector organisations, attend information events and local support groups.

For more information 

If you need further information, advice, support to access the website or you wish to make a general enquiry about services or local supports, please call a Disability Information Officer on 0781 552 1899 or 0758 311 1296 or email makinglifeeasier@northlan.gov.uk

You can access information, signposting to local support groups and complete online self-assessments for professional advice and support on the Making Life Easier website.