Derbyshire Carers Association

What you need
Whatever difficulties you or the person you care for have, someone may have developed equipment to make life easier.

Provision of some equipment or adaptations to the home may be free of charge but there may be means testing and you may be asked to make a contribution. A doctor can prescribe equipment which is needed for medical reasons. Although you may have to pay for some specialist equipment yourself, grants may be available to help with some or all of the cost.

On loan
Equipment may be available on loan from many of these specialist suppliers, from the NHS and on a short term basis from voluntary, organisations such as the Red Cross. The range of equipment available is very, large and You may wish to get the advice from the Occupational Therapist.

For a wheelchair, you will be referred to the wheelchair service by your GP or other Health Professional and needs will be assessed by an Occupational Therapist (OT). Anyone needing a wheelchair should be assessed by an OT or other professional worker to ensure that their needs are properly met.

There is now a voucher scheme for manual wheelchairs, and indoor/outdoor electric chairs may be available If equipment or adaptations and alterations such as lifted toilet seats, grab rails, and stair rails are needed in the home to enable the best care for the cared for and to assist the Carer, needs will be assessed by an Occupational Therapist.

You can contact an Occupational Therapist through your GP, District Nurse, Health Visitor or through Social Services. The OT may visit as part of the assessment process whereby Social Services and other professionals will assess the needs of both Carer and cared for in the home.

Buying new
A wide range of equipment is available for sale from Chemists, catalogues and specialist suppliers.

Buying Second Hand Equipment
Some companies may also have second hand and refurbished equipment at reduced prices. Most companies provide advice and many will arrange home demonstrations of large items of equipment.

Second hand equipment may be located through local papers and some organisations which will have information about people who have equipment they no longer need. Journals such as 'The Carer'. 'Disability Now' and 'Radar' carry, advertisements.

GREAT CARE MUST ALWAYS BE EXERCISED WHEN BUYING ANY SECOND HAND EQUIPMENT

Some equipment is made specifically for the user and may not be suitable for others. The needs and abilities of the Carer should always be considered when equipment is purchased.

Derbyshire Coalition for Inclusive Living will provide information on many issues including equipment for disabled people. Telephone 01773 740246

Disabled Living Foundation aims to reduce the disabling effects of all kinds of impairment. The foundation gives practical, up to date and unbiased information and advice on all aspects of disability.

Red Cross have some equipment available for short term loan. They will also inform you where equipment is available at resorts for holiday loans. Items available include commodes, walking frames and wheelchairs. Telephone 01629 582171

Derbyshire Association for the Blind have information on aids for living for people who are visually impaired. Telephone 01332 292262

CAMTAD or your local Hearing Aid group will advise on aids for living for people who have hearing difficulties.

British Telecom, Gas and Electricity companies will give information about aids and adaptations to telephones and domestic appliances and large print bills. Free appliance cheeks are available for some people who have a disability.