What is the Equipment and Adaptation Service?

People can continue to live safely at home by using equipment and you can purchase many of these items yourself privately.

Equipment and Adaptation Service provides equipment and adaptations for people living in North Lanarkshire, as well as NHS Lanarkshire equipment to South Lanarkshire residents following assessment from health and social care staff or members of the public who have completed a guided self-assessment for equipment through Making Life Easier.

The range of equipment provided includes:

• Assistive technology
• Sensory impairment items
• Bathing
• Toileting
• Grabrails and handrails

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.

What do I do when I no longer need the equipment or the 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 your home.

Examples of these adaptations include: 

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

Major changes to your home should be carefully researched and planned. There's more guidance available on this from the Scottish Government.

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?

Our information and advice are free. Following an occupational therapy assessment that identifies a need for further input, we may recommend suitable adaptations that could be made to your home or help you to find 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.

You will be eligible for assistance with 80% of the approved cost if you own your property or if you are privately renting; your landlord agrees to the changes and an occupational therapist has assessed you as needing 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 and support allowance (Income Related)
• Pension credit (Guaranteed element only)

The maintenance and upkeep of the adaptation following installation is the responsibility of the homeowner or private tenant.

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 07815 521 899 or 07583 111 296 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.