Daily Living Equipment and Adaptations

• simple equipment, such as bath boards which sit across a bath, grab rails around the house, raised toilet seats, chair raisers, etc.;
• specialist equipment, such as bath lifts, hoists, pressure cushions and mattresses, etc.; and
• adaptations, such as widening doors, ramps for wheelchairs, stair lifts, level access showers, etc.

Simple equipment

If you are interested in simple equipment, you can:

• Visit an advice centre, such as at a local branch of AgeUK
• Use our online assessment which helps you work out what your needs are and what equipment might help with these
• Visit an equipment retailer, i.e. shops and businesses selling equipment (remember to look out for the 'accredited retailer' logo).

Some people may be able to get simple equipment free of charge through Adult Social Care or the NHS.  Contact your local Adult Social Care office for more information.  You will need to be assessed as eligible for equipment and will then be given an equipment prescription.

This prescription can then be taken to any accredited retailer and exchanged for the item you need.  The prescription will provide you with a basic item but you can pay extra to upgrade this to a more expensive one in a colour or design of your choice.  The equipment will come with fitting instructions but some retailers will provide a free fitting service for an additional cost.

Specialist equipment

If you need specialist equipment, these will need to be arranged through Adult Social Care or the NHS, so please contact your local Adult Social Care office for more information. 

Adaptations

If you need adaptations to be made to your home, these can be arranged through Adult Social Care or the NHS.  If the work required is small, this may be provided by your landlord or the council.  If major work is needed to your home then you may be able to get a grant to help pay for the work.  You may be asked to contribute to the cost of the work for a major adaptation.  Contact your local Adult Social Care office for more information.