Start with a needs assessment
Ask your council's adult social care (or children's services for a child) for a free needs assessment. An occupational therapist may visit to see what would help. Equipment and small adaptations costing less than £1,000 are usually provided free in England. Examples include:
- grab rails and bannister rails
- shower seats, bath boards and raised toilet seats
- perching stools and kitchen aids
- key safes and door intercoms
In this guide
- Disabled Facilities Grants: money for bigger changes, like stairlifts and level-access showers
- VAT relief and other savings: pay no VAT on many disability products
Personal alarms and telecare
A personal alarm is a button you wear that calls for help if you fall or feel unwell. Telecare includes sensors such as fall detectors and smoke alarms linked to a response centre. Many councils run schemes, sometimes free or for a small weekly charge.
Fire safety
Your local fire and rescue service offers free home fire safety visits, and may fit smoke alarms, including vibrating or flashing alarms for people who are deaf.
Sources we used
- GOV.UK, Disabled Facilities Grants
- NHS, Get a care needs assessment
- GOV.UK, VAT relief for disabled people
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