Equipment to help you live at home

There are many types of equipment to help you with everyday activities at home.

These can help you live more independently and safely if you're older or disabled.

Different types of equipment can be used to help in the:

  • kitchen - such as bigger control knobs for the cooker and kettle tippers to help you pour water
  • bathroom - such as raised toilet seats and commodes, shower and bath seats, alterations to taps
  • bedroom - such as specially adapted beds, grab rails, talking clocks
  • living room - such as specially adapted chairs, mobile or ceiling mounted hoists
  • rest of your home - such as louder doorbells and phones, wall to floor rails, alterations to steps, trolleys for carrying things between rooms

The council can provide some of these items but the quickest way to get the help you need may be to buy equipment from the high street or online.

Buying equipment yourself 

Speak to someone for advice

When deciding on daily living aid equipment, it’s helpful to speak with family, friends, and local support networks. This will help you to gain valuable insights and ensure you have support when considering your options.

You, a family member, or a friend can request a free assessment from William Merritt without needing to speak to your doctor or healthcare professional first. They will also provide information on where to buy equipment.

Alternatively, you can speak to your doctor, who can refer you to an occupational therapist for advice on your needs and recommendations for home equipment. Your district nurse can also offer help and advice.

If you are worried about falls, Care and Repair Leeds can provide guidance on equipment to help prevent falls at home.

Online

Leeds Directory connects you with vetted local services and information to help you live well in Leeds. The virtual Equipment House lets you explore different areas of your home and discover various aids and adaptations that could assist you. It also provides helpful tips and links to organizations and services where you can purchase equipment. On Leeds Directory you can also:

Equipment from the council

You can contact our adult social care team if you would like to talk about the support we can offer.

We will either:

  • pass your details to your doctor who can discuss your needs
  • let a healthcare professional know who will carry out an assessment

Assessment

A healthcare professional will contact you to arrange an assessment. This will help decide what equipment is right for you and if there is enough space for this in your home.

After the assessment, your equipment will be ordered from the Leeds Community Equipment Services (LCES) team.

Only the healthcare professional who assessed you can order your equipment.

The equipment will be delivered as soon as it is available and a suitable time will be arranged with you.

Changes to your needs

Equipment is free of charge and on loan to you as long as you need this.

If you no longer need your equipment, it’s faulty or damaged, let the LCES team know by email, or call 0113 378 3282 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm, Saturday to Sunday, 8am to 4pm).

Further help at home

You can also make changes to your home so that it is suitable for you to live in. Find more information on adapting your home.

Having alarms at home can also help making it easier to stay living independently. Find more information on help alarms.