Equipment to aid daily living

Web: www.norfolk.gov.uk/assistivetechnology Tel: 0344 8008020

Community alarms

Community alarms can give you peace of mind 24 hours a day, every day and are ideal for anybody who feels vulnerable and may need an urgent response.

The alarm is worn around your neck or wrist and is connected to your home phone line. At the touch of a button, you will be able to speak to an operator who will help assess what support is needed, like contacting your next-of-kin or the Emergency Services.

Please check which care alarm service covers your area. See the checklist on page 24 for questions to consider about assistive technology. Countywide – Lifeline 24 Tel: 01603 964306

Countywide

– Welbeing Lifeline Tel: 01323 644422

Great Yarmouth

– Community Alarms Tel: 01493 846654

South Norfolk – Contact Care Tel: 0800 9174680

West Norfolk and North Norfolk

– Care Line Community service. Tel: 01553 616200 (option six).

Before beginning to look for equipment, it is helpful to be clear about exactly which areas of daily living are becoming difficult. Trying to pinpoint the difficulties and the reasons behind them need to be considered.

This may seem obvious, but not all difficulties are best helped by equipment; the situation could be resolved through other actions e.g. medical intervention, short-term rest and in some cases, a period of exercise and movement.

There is a useful, easy-to-use online questionnaire that can help you consider areas that you are having difficulty with and what equipment might help you to manage these better.

For more information, visit:

https://carersuk.livingmadeeasy.org.uk

or: https://livingmadeeasy.org.uk/dlf-factsheets

There are various organisations that can provide information and advice that may help you. You can also borrow or buy equipment from them.

British Red Cross Mobility Aids Scheme

Including short-term wheelchair loan. You can also book online at: www.redcross.org.uk/get-

help/hire-a-wheelchair

Great Yarmouth

Tel: 01493 663626 (10.00am to 4.00pm, Monday to Friday).

King’s Lynn

Tel: 01553 766969 (10.00am to 4.00pm, Monday to Friday).

Norwich

Tel: 01603 253403 (10.30am to 4.00pm, Monday to Friday).

There may also be a mobility shop in your local area.

If the issues remain unresolved and it appears that the situation will require professional support, an online referral can be made via our enquiry form: www.norfolk.gov.uk/mynorfolksocialcare or by calling: 0344 8008020.

Much of this can be provided free of charge if Norfolk County Council thinks this will support you to live independently in your home.

Wheelchairs

Wheelchairs can make it possible for you to get out and move around safely and can also help your carer (if applicable). If you need a wheelchair for over six months and have a permanent disability, talk to your GP. They can refer you to the local wheelchair service for an assessment to discover if you fit the criteria for a long-term wheelchair loan.

If you are not eligible for an NHS wheelchair, but would like to borrow or hire one, see the above details regarding the Red Cross Mobility Aids Scheme or the following organisations.

Shopmobility

Loans manual and powered wheelchairs and scooters to people with limited mobility so they have the ability to shop and use leisure and commercial facilities.

Norwich (now managed by Equal Lives)

Manual and powered wheelchairs and scooters are available from the Chantry Place shopping centre. Open Tuesday to Saturday, 9.00am to 4.00pm.

King’s Lynn

Ground floor, St James multi-storey car park Tel: 01553 770310

Buying a wheelchair privately is an alternative option.

Search for care in your area

www.carechoices.co.uk

With so many providers to choose from, where do you start?

• Find care providers quickly and easily • Search by location and care need • Information on care quality • Links to inspection reports • Additional information, photos and web links • Brochure requests