Equipment

Equipment ranges from easy-grip knives and forks, through walking frames and easy-rise chairs, to remote control curtains and fall alarms. 

You can buy most daily living equipment from the high street, catalogues, internet or specialist mobility shops.

Disabled Living can you give expert, free, impartial advice about daily living equipment. You can even try out some of the equipment in their purpose-built showroom and ask for an occupational therapy assessment.

Before buying larger pieces of equipment, especially mobility scooters, we recommend that you get advice, either from Disabled Living or by contacting Adult Social Care.

What equipment is there?

Living Made Easy has a well-organised catalogue of equipment to browse.

You may be able to improvise your own solutions: 

• Put vegetables in a chip pan basket or sieve and put this in your boiling water. When they're ready, lift out the basket or sieve, leaving the water to cool down. 

Buying equipment

If you are buying your own equipment, look for companies that are members of the British Heathcare Trades Association or have the Community Equipment Dispenser registration.

If you are buying equipment, think about:

• Will it make your life easier?
• How often will you use the equipment?
• Can you try it before you buy?
• Do you already have something at home that you could use?
• Can you use the equipment by yourself?
• Will you be happy with how the equipment looks at home?
• How much space will it take up?
• Is it easy to clean?
• How long will it last?
• What if it breaks? Is it easy to get spare parts and will someone fit them for you?

Borrowing equipment

Adult Social Care can loan you some equipment to help with daily living and help you to stay independent. Find out more about the equipment service.

Adult social care is now provided by Northern Care Alliance