Finding out what will help you
There is a wide range of equipment and adaptations available to help you with your day-to-day tasks at home.
A rail secured in the ground or fixed to one side of your front door could help you get in and out of your property safely. A second banister rail or a stairlift may help you if you if you have difficulty getting up and down stairs. There are all sorts of gadgets to help you get dressed, use a toilet, bathe and prepare drinks and meals.
- AgeUK, the chairty combining Help the Aged and Age Concern, has a helpful guide to making tasks easier on its website.
With so many choices available, it is important to make sure that whatever piece of equipment you are thinking about using meets your needs. This is where advice from staff in mobility shops (such as Zenith Mobility in Hartlepool) or helpful hints from online tools, such as AskSARA, comes in handy.
AskSARA
AskSARA is an easy-to-use online tool created by the Disabled Living Foundation. By asking you a series of 'yes' or 'no' questions, AskSARA helps you to assess your own needs, giving advice and recommending suitable pieces of equipment which may help you at home.
All About Equipment
All About Equipment is a website which has been developed by developed by four leading charities through Department of Health funding. It aims to answer all the questions you may have about community equipment, including what equipment is available, where to get it and if you can get help towards paying for it.
- Visit All About Equipment
- You can also telephone the All About Equipment helpline on 0845 130 9177.
Boots Mobility and Daily Living Aids product finder
This online questionnaire is simlar to AskSARA. By answering several questions, the Boots Mobility and Daily Living Aids product finder will suggest equipment which may help you when bathing, going to the toilet or moving around your home.
Finding good-quality products
Ricability is an independent consumer research charity. It provides free, practical information for older people and people with disabilities.
Reports include: who can help: where to go for further advice and help, car measurement factsheets, guides to adaptations and motoring reports.
It is accredited by the Department of Health's Information Standard.
- Visit the Ricability website
Handyman service
If you are having difficulty with household tasks such as changing light bulbs, hanging curtains, decorating or fixing loose carpeting, Connect Care's handyman service may be able to help you. The handyman service can also fit grab rails and banister rails.
Depending on your circumstances and the work you would like to have done, the handyman service may be free of charge.
Living Made Easy
Living Made Easy, created by the Disabled Living Foundation, provides independent advice and information on all types of daily living equipment. It has been funded by the Department of Health and the Department for Education. It is accredited by the Department of Health's Information Standard.
- Visit Living Made Easy
Visit the Independent Living Suite
Occupational Therapists work with people to understand what would help them to live as safely and independently as possible. If you would like to visit the Independent Living Suite to be assessed by an Occupational Therapist from Adult Social Care you should contact the Duty team at the Civic Centre.