Equipment and adaptations

There are lots of examples of equipment that you could use around your home to help you with day-to-day tasks. If you are not sure which items might help you, AskSARA is an online self-help guide that could be useful. Visit

https://asksara.livingmadeeasy.org.uk

Community Occupational Therapy

If you need adaptations or equipment to help you manage at home, you will need to contact Community Occupational Therapy.

The team will carry out an assessment to get a clearer picture of the difficulties that you are having (e.g. bathing, climbing stairs, or transferring from a chair to a bed) and advise you about whether you are eligible for help from them. If you are, they may provide items of equipment that could help you.

If you are not eligible, you will be given information about other services that may be available.

Referrals to the team can be made through your local council’s website. Visit

www.northnorthants.gov.uk/adult-social-

services/living-home in North Northamptonshire and www.westnorthants.gov.uk/adult-socialservices/living-home in West Northamptonshire. Alternatively, you can contact your local council’s Customer Service Centre. See page 5.

How do I get my equipment?

If your Occupational Therapy assessment shows that you are eligible for equipment, the Northamptonshire Community Equipment Service will make an appointment with you to deliver and fit it. If you wish to return or repair a piece of equipment that belongs to Millbrook Healthcare, which provides equipment countywide, call 0330 124 1219.

Assistive technology

Assistive technology enables you to improve your independence and safety at home by providing access to a wide range of sensory equipment and software.

Assistive technology is designed to manage risks to your health and safety in the home environment, empowering you to find new ways that everyday activities can be confidently and independently completed.

Areas that assistive technology can support:

• Epilepsy – examples include watch alarms and sensor mats.

• Falls prevention – emergency alarms for people at risk of falling. • Forgetfulness – examples include sensors and alarms.

• Hearing – visual alarms in the home connected to fire alarms, telephones and doorbells. • Physical frailty – connected home help at the touch of a button.

• Sight – talking clocks and reminders. • Learning disability – personalised interactive devices to assist the user to be independent.

Equipment can be provided free of charge if you meet the eligibility criteria. For more information about eligibility, see page 5.

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