Ask for an assessment of your needs. They can arrange for an occupational therapist to visit you to look at the problems you are having. The occupational therapist will help you find a solution by looking at different ways you can perform difficult tasks, and by suggesting the most suitable equipment for you. The occupational therapist will then usually arrange for the equipment you need to be provided. The equipment is not always free; usually a charge is made.

See our free advice leaflet Help in Your Home (PDF) for information on getting an assessment and the help you can get in your home. It also looks at making a complaint if you don't think you're getting the help you need; or are having to wait a long time for equipment or adaptations.

If you would like further advice on getting help from your local authority, call SeniorLine.

Mobility aids

If you need a walking stick or a walking frame, talk to your doctor. They will usually refer you to the physiotherapy or occupational therapy department of your local hospital. Always get advice from your doctor or physiotherapist on which aid is most suitable for you and on how to use it.

If you need a wheelchair, your doctor, physiotherapist or occupational therapist will refer you to your local NHS wheelchair service centre. The wheelchair will be free and fully maintained, although you may not be able to choose which chair you are given. If you would prefer to get the wheelchair of your choice, you may be offered an NHS voucher which you can use to pay for it. If the voucher is not enough to cover the cost, you will have to make up the difference yourself. If you are interested in buying a powered wheelchair, always check that the voucher will be valid. For more information on mobility aids, see our free advice leaflet Keeping Mobile (PDF).

You might want to think about getting insurance for your mobility aid. You are not legally required to have insurance for powered wheelchairs, scooters or buggies. But it might be a good idea to at least get public liability insurance which covers accidental damage to property and other people. You might also consider insurance that covers your equipment in the event of theft, fire or other damage. It might be possible to add your mobility aid to your home contents policy or arrange insurance through the manufacturer or another insurance company.

You may only need a wheelchair or other mobility aid for a short period of time. If this is the case, the British Red Cross may be able to help you. They operate a medical loan service which can supply wheelchairs and other mobility aids on a temporary basis.

Home nursing equipment

This is a general term for items which are needed to help with certain medical conditions, such as continence pads, commodes and plastic sheets. Your district nurse will usually arrange the supply of this equipment. The equipment available on the NHS varies from one district to another and depending on where you live you may have to pay for certain items, such as continence pads. To find out if you will be charged for continence pads speak to your local NHS specialist continence service. Call the Continence Foundation on 0845 345 0165 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 1pm) to find out how to contact your local service.

If you only need equipment such as a commode or bed pan for a short period of time, it might be worth getting in touch with the British Red Cross. They operate a medical loan service and may be able to supply you with the equipment you need.