Equipment to help you live at home independently
Examples
Bathing aids
Bathing aids to help with getting in and out of the bath
Bath seat
Used with a bath board so you can get lower down in the bath. A bath seat isn’t appropriate if:
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you need to clean your lower body for medical reasons, because you won’t be fully in the bath
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you have a plastic bath.
Bath board
Can be used to help you get in and out of the bath. Can be used with a bath seat.
Shower board
Fits in the bath so you can use your over-bath shower. Can be used in combination with other equipment.
Shower seat
Useful if you find it difficult to stand safely while in the shower.
Bath step
A step to help you get in and out of the bath. Some steps can be adjusted to the height you need.
Toilet aids
Raised toilet seats
If you have restricted mobility you may not be able to get on and off your toilet safely because it is too low. Raised toilet seats help with this.
Toilet frames
These are useful if you need to use both arms to stand up from the toilet. The width of the frame needs to fit around the toilet and you need to be able to fit within it. Frames can be fixed to the floor for more stability.
Commodes
Useful if you find it difficult to reach the main toilet.
Grab rails and stair hand rails
These can be used around the house or outside to help with day-to-day tasks such as:
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getting into and out of the bath
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standing from the toilet
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moving safely around the house
Walking aids
These offer support and stability when walking, both indoors and outdoors. They need to be measured up specifically for you to use. They can improve your speed and stride when walking. They can also help you stay upright and can increase your confidence when walking.
Walking frames
These support you when moving around at home.
Wheeled walkers
These are suitable for outdoor use and include:
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two-wheeled rollators with small wheels or castors on the front legs and ferrules at the back
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tri-wheeler frames with a single front swivel castor and two uni-directional rear wheels
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four-wheeled walker, which will help you walk more fluently.
Tripod/quadruple walking stocks
These are like walking sticks but more stable because their base has three or four points.
Personal care and food preparation aids
Adjustable trolley
This helps you carry things from one room to another. You should not use it instead of a mobility aid.
Perching stool
An angled seat (with or without arms) which helps you in the bathroom or kitchen if you cannot stand for long periods of time.
How to get equipment
Option 1 - help yourself
We encourage you to buy your own equipment directly. This is easier and quicker than asking for support from us.
Use the information on these webpages to find out what equipment is available and what to think about when buying equipment then see below for details of where to buy it.
Option 2 - ask us for help
If you cannot find the information you need on these webpages please contact us or do an online assessment to find out if you're likely to be eligible for help.
Where to get equipment
You can buy your equipment from one of our approved retailers. These are pharmacies that we have approved because they can provide advice and sell the type of small equipment listed on this page.
The pharmacies listed on this page have met the Department of Health standards for the assessment and provision of aids to daily living. You will also see this accreditation sticker displayed, which is awarded when they have completed the training.
If you can’t visit the shop
A friend, relative or carer can collect and fit your equipment. When they visit the shop, they will get instructions for fitting the equipment in your home and will have to sign on your behalf.
Get help from a friend or family member
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talk to someone else before asking a salesperson to your home or visiting a pharmacy
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try to have someone with you when you’re choosing and buying equipment
Price
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have you been told the complete price? Ask about charges for delivery, fitting, service, repairs and running costs
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have you checked prices with other companies?
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if you are registered as disabled with the Council, you are entitled to exemption from VAT on disability equipment - the supplier will ask you to sign a brief declaration about this
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shop around – don’t act on impulse and don’t be pressured into buying today
Is the item appropriate?
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have you made sure the item will fit and work in your home?
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can you try the equipment before you buy?
In case things go wrong
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are you being offered a guarantee? If so, does it give value for money?
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if something goes wrong with your purchase, is the repair service local?
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does your agreement give you a few days to cancel? If it does, get this in writing
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will you remember how to contact the seller in future?
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get a receipt or order form with the name, address and telephone number of the company and keep it safe
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have you been given enough time to check the small print on any agreement?
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if you are spending over £100, consider using a credit card - this can offer protection if there are problems
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get everything in writing - don’t always accept the salesperson’s word
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don’t pay a deposit unless you are sure - if you are sure, only pay a small deposit
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if you buy second hand, you still have rights - see Citizens Advice for more information
What to do with community equipment you no longer need
Equipment you own – these are items issued on a prescription
You are responsible for disposing of any smaller equipment provided by prescription. This includes:
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toilet seats
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bath boards
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grab rails.
You can either:
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take the equipment to the reuse and recycling centre
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book a £15 doorstep collection for up to three items
Equipment loaned to you
Larger more costly equipment is loaned to you. This includes:
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hospital bed
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hoists
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specialist chairs.
If you no longer require this equipment you need to return it.
Please call Med Equip for collection on 020 7231 6816.
Problems with community equipment
If equipment breaks within one year
- if your equipment breaks within one year, please contact the shop where you got it
- the shop will be responsible for replacing faulty items - they may ask you to contact contact the team that assessed you for a further assessment
If equipment wears out
If you have had the equipment for over one year:
- walking aids - contact your GP
- other equipment - go to your nearest stockist or contact us
If your needs change or the equipment doesn’t help
If at any point you feel that your needs are not being met you should contact us.