adaptations and gardening help scheme

home&

garden

It is our aim to help, where possible, our residents who are older

or disabled to live more independantly.

Adaptations can be made allowing you to remain in your home

for as long as possible. There is also a Gardening Help Scheme

for those who find it difficult maintaining larger garden jobs such

as grass and hedge cutting.

This leaflet details what types of adaptations can be

provided to help make your life easier in your home and

how the Gardening Help Scheme works.

If you would like more information please call our

Customer Service Centre on 01892 501480 who will

be happy to further discuss your needs.

adaptations and gardening help scheme

home & garden

Adaptations These fall into two categories

Minor adaptations these include things such as:

• grabrails

• handrails

• lever taps and

• small ramps

Please note we do not provide mobile aids such as bath boards and toilet support frames.

Major adaptations these include things such as:

• level access showers

• additional toilet facilities

• lifts and access improvements

Q What is the application process

• Minor adaptations Normally you will require a letter from your

doctor, hospital, occupational therapist or similar giving details

of the work you need done. If your requirements are simple or

we are familiar with your needs, this may not even be necessary.

Once a request is accepted, our approved contractor will carry

out the work.

• Major adaptations You will need to contact Social Services

who will assess your needs, and they will then contact us.

Our surveyor will then visit you with the occupational therapist

to consider the proposals. Plans will be drawn up, building

regulations approval sought (if necessary) and the works sent

for pricing. The funding for the work is provided through a grant

application (subject to means testing) once agreed our approved

contractor will carry out the work.

Q Who will pay?

• Minor adaptations We will fund these internally.

• Major adaptations These are paid for from grants. The main

grant, the Disabled Facilities Grant, is means tested.

Your local council will look at your income and savings

and assess how much, if anything, you will have to pay.

Grant assessment forms, which will give you an idea of

how much you may have to pay, are available from your local

council (contact numbers at the end). If you do have to make a

payment, Social Services may be able to help

Q How long will you have to wait?

• Minor adaptations These are targeted for completion

within 20 working days - sooner if the requirement is urgent

• Major adaptations will take longer, depending on available

funds and complexity of the works. Our Asset Investment team

will be able advise you on the progress. Alternatively, you could

contact your council’s housing department directly for a Disabled Facilities Grant or *pay for the work to be carried out yourself

* Please note If you arrange for the works to be carried out

yourself you will have to obtain permission from Town & Country

before any work can commence

Grant Assessment Forms These forms are also available from your local council

Q What happens when the work is carried out?

Unfortunately disruption is unavoidable, but once the work is

completed it will be so worth while, making your life easier

• Work outside your home This is usually quicker and

less disruptive than inside. Before works start you

should clear away all personal belongings. eg move

your favourite plants that could be damaged

• Work inside your home You may have temporary loss of the

use of your toilet, bath, etc. Electricity and water supplies may

have to be turned off. There may be dust and fumes. Work may

take up to 2 weeks but it will be supervised throughout

Useful telephone numbers

Town & Country Housing Group

Asset Investment 01892 501480

Social Services:

Kent: 0300 041 6161 (ask for County Duty Service)

East Sussex: 0345 608 0191

Local Borough Councils:Tunbridge Wells Borough Council 01892 526121Wealden District Council 01323 443301Maidstone Borough Council 01622 602237Dover District Council 01304 821199Canterbury City Council 01227 862000

Gardening Help Scheme

If you have a garden and would like help cutting

the grass or hedges we may be able to help

If there is no one living with you who can do the work and you are

above pensionable age or have a disability that prevents you from

doing the work yourself you could be eligible for this service

You will need to provide evidence of your age and or disability

How does the scheme work? Your grass will be cut 10

times during the mowing season and if you have the hedge

trimming service they will be cut twice a year. Grass and

hedge cuttings will be picked up. The charges are payable

for 48 weeks of the year and are reviewed each year

Please note to use this service you must have a clear rent account

and if not maintained the service will be withdrawn and you will still

be charged for the entire year. The Gardening Help scheme is not covered by Housing Benefit

How to apply for the scheme

• Fill out the form opposite and return it to: Operations,

Monson House, Monson Way, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1LQ

• We will assess your application and let you know whether you

are eligible to join this scheme and confirm the weekly charge

• The Contractor who will carry out the work will then be notified

The appropriate charge will be added to your rent account

Please note If you decide to leave the scheme part way through

the year you will still be charged for the remainder of the year

Application to join the Gardening Help Scheme

Name

Address

Contact number

Date of Birth

n I have included proof of age and/or my disability

I agree to pay the additional weekly charge as part of my rent for a period of one year, and understand that the charge is not eligible for housing benefit

I understand the agreement would be reviewed after one year and that it can only be terminated by me on the anniversary of the agreement

Signed Date

For office use only

n Approved n Not approved (tick appropriate box)

Date

Reason

Signed

Date tenant notified

Contacting us

You can call us01892 501480

or email us info@tchg.org.uk

Monson House, Monson WayTunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1LQ