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Getting household equipment

Maintaining your independence at home

Whether or not you’re receiving home care, there are things you can do to help maintain your independence.

Simple household aids and gadgets can enable you to continue doing certain tasks yourself. In some cases, they may even allow you to live independently without needing any home care at all.

Useful household equipment

Here are some examples of household equipment that can support independent living:

  • weighted utensils
  • table trays
  • two-handled cups
  • tap-turners and kettle-tippers for the kitchen
  • slip-resistant mats for eating and bathrooms
  • button and zip pulls
  • wheeled trolleys – useful for moving heavy items
  • Shower chairs for the bathroom
  • perch seats for the kitchen.

If you’re planning to stay in your own home, certain adaptations can help you look after yourself more easily.

Grab rails can assist with climbing steps or stairs, or getting into bed or the bath. Rails and hoists can also help with getting in and out of the bath. Installing a stair lift can make your home safer if you struggle with stairs.

Other helpful home adaptations include:

  • raised toilet seats
  • pedal-operated, hands-free tap controls
  • toilet frames – with fixed or moveable armrests
  • bed-raisers – useful if you have difficulty getting in and out of bed
  • a second banister running the full length of your stairs.

You can find out more about mobility equipment in the NHS mobility equipment guide.

Getting the right equipment for your needs

If you’re considering adapting your home, you can request a free assessment from an occupational therapist (OT). You can ask one of the following to arrange an OT appointment:

  • the adult social services department of your local authority
  • your GP, or
  • your Integrated care system (previously known as a Clinical Commissioning Group)

During the appointment, an occupational therapist will visit your home to assess your needs. Based on their assessment and your input, they’ll recommend equipment and adaptations to make life easier. You may also be eligible for financial support.

 

Paying for home adaptations and equipment

Free equipment and adaptations

If a care needs assessment by your local authority shows you require certain equipment or adaptations, these may be provided free of charge.

These adaptations often focus on preventing falls and improving mobility. Examples include:

  • building shallow steps or an access ramp
  • installing automatic lighting at your front door
  • fitting grab rails

Minor home adaptations costing less than £1,000 are usually free, provided you’ve been assessed as needing them and you meet the eligibility criteria.

Items you may need to purchase

For smaller household aids, such as two-handled cups, you may need to buy these yourself.

To explore available equipment, visit the AskSARA self-assessment website. It also provides details of suppliers.

Depending on the outcome of your means test, your local authority may charge for more expensive adaptations, such as:

  • stair lifts
  • bathroom extensions
  • ramp installations

You may be eligibile for VAT relief on these purchases.

Grant for home aids and adaptations

If you’re adapting your home due to disability or age-related needs, your local authority may be able to help with funding.

You may be able to access the following help:

VAT relief may also apply to these purchases.

Getting independent advice

Before adapting your home or buying equipment, it’s a good idea to seek independent advice. This ensures the equipment you choose is suitable for your needs.

The NHS recommends the following organisations for advice on home adaptations for disabled and older people:

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