What can I do if I need adaptations or other support in my own home?
The Council aims to ensure that support is available to help older people or people with disabilities to continue living comfortably and independently in their own homes for as long as possible without the need to move to other accommodation.
Council or housing association housing
The Council has made funding available to adapt Council houses to meet the needs of Council tenants. Housing associations also have their own budgets to carry out adaptations to their properties for their tenants. Typical adaptations include putting in showers, extra heating, handrails and ramped access.
Requests for adaptations or equipment should made by contacting your Housing Officer (Council or housing association), or Occupational Therapy through Social Work Services. Requests can also be made through GPs, Community Nurses or hospitals as well as through Service Points. After a referral is received, an assessment of need is carried out, usually by an Occupational Therapist. However, some adaptations are automatically available if you meet certain criteria. Your Housing Officer or Occupational Therapist should be able to give you more information about this.
Details and more information can be obtained from your Housing Officer, or from the appropriate Highland Council’s Social Work Services Area Office. The contact details are given in Appendix A.
Private housing (rented or owned)
Information on adaptations and improvements to private housing is in Section 5.
Highland Telecare Service
The Highland Telecare Service offers support to people in their own homes, whether Council housing, housing association or private housing. If you are assessed as needing this service, you will be provided with a telecare system which is an alarm for use in emergencies, e.g if you fall or otherwise need emergency assistance.
In addition to the basic alarm, there is also a range of equipment (telecare sensors) which are available with the telecare system. This is sometimes called ‘enhanced telecare’. The following are examples of this:
- Smoke Detector
- Natural gas/ carbon monoxide detector
- Fall Detector
- Flood Detector
- Movement Detector
- Property Exit Sensor
- Medication Reminder/ Dispenser
- Temperature extremes sensor
Is there a charge for the Telecare Service?
The Telecare Service is financially assessed so you may not be charged depending on your circumstances.
If you are assessed as able to pay the charge, the current charge for the service is £5.00 per week (April 2009). You can check the current charge with your local Social Work Service.
How do I apply for the Telecare Service?
If you wish to be considered for the Telecare Service or would like more information about charging or other matters, you should contact your local Social Work Service. Contact details are in Appendix A.
Can I get support to help me manage my tenancy or live in my own home?
Help and assistance may be available for vulnerable people who find it difficult to manage their tenancy or continue living in their own homes. Some people may only need help for a short time others may need on-going support to help them stay in their own home and live independently. Please see Section 11: Housing Support for more information.
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