Equipment and adaptions
Equipment, adaptations and technology can help you look after a loved one more effectively in the home. A wide range of equipment is available to help you do this, including:
- Grab handles on the bath to help you get in and out of the bath
- A raised toilet seat so you can use the toilet safely
- A bed leaver to help you get in and out of bed
- Chair raisers to help you get out of your chair
- Volume amplifier for phone, doorbell or TV if you are hard of hearing
- A wheeled trolley can help you to carry items around the house.
Who is eligible
Anyone over the age of 18 years old is eligible for items of minor equipment. To apply for equipment you should contact the Adult Early Intervention Service They may need to do a home visit to determine your exact need. Once this has been determined they will give you an ‘equipment prescription’, which will detail what you need.
Costs
There is no charge for the assessment or for advice or information we give you. If we agree after the assessment that you require equipment to make your life easier, we will pay for the equipment. But if you want items with additional features or different colours, this will be more expensive and you will be asked to pay the difference in price.
Telecare and telehealth
Telecare and telehealth services use technology to help people to live independently in their own homes.
Telecare
Telecare consists of sensors positioned throughout the home. These can be used to detect problems such as gas leaks or fire, or if the person you care for needs assistance. Either you or a monitoring centre would be notified if the alarm is triggered.
Telehealth
Telehealth is a way of monitoring someone’s health from the comfort of their own home. The information is sent to a health provider. Telehealth is being used to monitor a number of chronic conditions, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes, heart failure, stroke and hypertension.
You can find out more by visiting our Carelink and assistive technology page.