Equipment (aids) in your home
Specialist equipment is available which will allow you to move around safely and independently.
This can help you:
- get washed and dressed
- get in and out of bed and chairs
- use the kitchen more safely
- with moving around and in and out your home
If you are the carer for someone then having the right equipment in place may make your caring role both easier and safer.
This list does not cover everything but will give you a good idea of aids you may be provided with:
- shower stools
- grab rails - for helping you walk about the house, or keep your balance in the bath
- specialist beds (hospital style bed)
- specialist chairs which provide postural support and mechanisms to help to sit and stand.
- hoists - for people who can no longer carry their own weight and need to be helped up out of bed or chair
- bath lifts
- walking aids to help people walk about
- raised toilet seats
- commodes - mini toilets for people who cannot get to the bathroom by themselves
- special mattresses and cushions - for people who have to spend a long time in bed or have skin that is vulnerable to pressure ulcers also called pressure sores
These smaller pieces of equipment and minor works are initially assessed by our Occupational Therapy Team colleagues in Single Point of Access (SPOA). Call the SPOA contact centre 0345 602 4064 for more information. If your registered GP is out of Central Bedfordshire, please contact the Central Bedfordshire Council Occupational Therapy Team on 0300 300 8050.
Following an assessment from the Central Bedfordshire Council Occupational Therapy team, we determine that you need adaptations to help you at home then we may refer you for a means tested Disabled Facilities Grant depending on the tenure of your home. We will advise on other funding routes for Central Bedfordshire Council housing and social housing tenants.
We can also explore funding for minor works (e.g. external rails and half steps) depending on the tenure of your home.
If you do not qualify for equipment, there are many websites that sell equipment online.
We cannot recommend individual companies but the following organisations will be able to advise you: