What is available?
If you have problems opening jars or using some cooking
utensils, there is a range of specially designed equipment to help
make preparing and eating food simpler.
This could be cutlery with 'easy to hold' handles or a perching
stool so you can sit down whilst preparing and cooking food. Some
people have difficulty carrying items around the kitchen safely, a
height adjustable kitchen trolley can help to overcome this
problem.
All these items of minor equipment will help to make life easier
for you and enable you to stay living independently in your own
home. You may need to purchase some of these smaller items yourself
but others could be available on prescription from us.
Who can get it?
Items of minor equipment are available for people over the age
of 18, who need practical help due to sight or hearing loss,
physical or learning disabilities, frailty or illness. These can
sometimes be all that is needed to help you to maintain your
independence and quality of life.
How do I get the equipment?
You can contact us and someone from our Equipment and
Adaptations Service will get in touch to arrange an assessment to
see what could make your day to day living easier. We may invite
you to attend our assessment centre or visit you at home so that
you can show us what difficultiues you are experiencing. Or we may
simply discuss your needs with you over the phone.
If you are assessed as needing equipment to support your daily
living then you will be given a prescription with details
of the type of equipment you need. You can take this to one of
a number of local shops that will be able to provide the equipment
that has been prescribed. The shop will have trained staff who
will be able to demonstrate the equipment and give you any
information, help or advice that you need.
List of equipment retailers
How much does it cost?
We do not charge for the assessment or for any information or
advice we give you. Also, if following our assessment we agree
that you need equipment to make your day to day living easier, then
we will pay the full cost of that equipment. However, if you decide
you would like something with additional features or in a different
colour, and this is more expensive, you will be asked to pay the
difference in price.
How to get in touch
The Adult Social Care Team is the first point of contact for all
referrals and general enquiries. You can contact them from 8am to
6pm, Monday to Friday on 0161 217 6029.