Make your home life easier
Everyone wants to stay in their own home for as long as possible and there is plenty of equipment available to make life more hassle-free. The Age UK website has a comprehensive list of equipment, which can be installed in the home so people can stay independent for longer. In the bathroom – removable bath boards provide a seated platform area over the bath. They make it easier to get in the bath, but you may still need help to get your legs over the bath rim. In the kitchen – food preparation boards can be used to make it easier when chopping food or opening tins or bottles. They may have spikes to secure fruit and vegetables and most have a non-slip base. Around the home – special rails can be fitted to help if you have to negotiate a bend in the stairs. Remote control plugs and lighting – plug sockets are often at ground level and if you are struggling to bend down, you may find it easier and safer to use a remote control socket which can be operated from your armchair. If you have poor vision – a range of clocks and watches are available with clear, bold displays. Talking clocks/watches and tactile watches make life easier when telling the time. Medication management – dispensers can set up an alarm sound when medication is due. If you have difficulty hearing – there are products to alert someone to a ringing phone or a doorbell. Commodes are available in a variety of styles and can make life easier if you are struggling to get to the toilet. Labelling systems are helpful if you have problems reading labels on tins or jars. Home alarms and pagers can alert a carer in another part of the house or garden that help is needed. If you live alone, a telecare alarm system can give peace of mind. Ask your Social Services department for an assessment of your needs. You may be eligible for financial help for specialist equipment.
the disabled living Foundation offers independent advice about all aspects of living at home. Call the helpline on 0300 999 0004 or visit www.dlf.org.uk
age Uk – the advice line 0800 678 1174 has a wide range of information to make home life easier or visit www.ageuk.org.uk