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Having the right equipment to enable a disabled person to live more independently and also help their carers is vital. Here is given information as to where you can obtain equipment you require or don’t know about.
From
social services
Equipment which can make it easier to manage at home is usually provided by social services departments following an assessment by an occupational therapist. How long you have to wait and how much help you get is not always the ideal.
The items supplied can make it easier and safer to deal with everyday tasks such as preparing food or managing your personal care. Simple alterations or adaptations can also be arranged, such as repositioning electrical sockets or fixing handrails.
The type of equipment or adaptation provided will depend on your situation, and can range from straightforward items such as kettle tippers and tap turners in the kitchen, bath seats and raised toilet seats in the bathroom, right through to hoists to help with transferring in and out of bed or bath
Depending on your circumstances, you could be asked to contribute to the cost.
Social services will arrange for an occupational therapist or social worker to make an assessment and if necessary call in the housing department to help. Occupational therapists will also be able to advise you about equipment you can obtain from other sources.
See also Housing and home for information about arranging improvements and adaptations to your home
From the National Health Service
GP services
Your GP can prescribe items from an approved list.
These include , for example, elastic stockings, appliances for colostomies
and similar conditions, some types of trusses and wound dressings, urinary
catheters and urinary collection devices
Wheelchairs
If you have a problem which prevents you moving around your home easily, even for a short time, a wheelchair may be the answer. An occupational therapist or physiotherapist will assess your needs –at home, in hospital or at your local NHS wheelchair service.
In Wales the Artificial Limb and Appliance Service (ALAS) is responsible for providing the wheelchair service and artificial limbs. These services are provided at three Artificial Limb and Appliance Centres (ALACS) at:
Rookwood hospital, Llandaff, Cardiff CF5 2YN Tel: 02920 555677
Maelor General Hospital, Croesnewydd Road, Wrexham LL13 7TD
Tel: 01978 291100
Morriston Hospital, Morriston, Swansea SA6 6NL Tel: 01792 702 222
The wheelchair service is only provided at the ALACS in Cardiff and Wrexham
How do you choose? The NHS wheelchair service will help you choose a wheelchair that meets your needs, including extras like cushions, arm rests or trays. If the therapist agrees that you could benefit from a more expensive chair than the local service can offer, you may be able to get a voucher that will allow you to pay the difference. However, the voucher scheme is only applicable in England. Not all services may be able to offer this option yet.
Who owns the chair? NHS wheelchairs are provided on loan for as long as needed. If you only need one for a short time, the centre will tell you how to get one from an organisation such as the Red Cross.
Who maintains it ? The NHS will pay for any servicing or repairs so long as they are not caused by misuse or neglect. You will be given the number of the local approved repairer who will be responsible for repairs.
What about a wheelchair
for outdoors?
If you are severely
disabled and could benefit from a powered indoor/out door wheelchair,
your wheelchair service may be able to provide one, subject to their professional
assessment of your needs. Usually you have to buy outdoor electric wheelchairs,
electric scooters or specialist sports wheelchairs for yourself. Your
local service will be able to tell you about local distributors.
Walking aids
If there is a medical requirement for walking sticks, frames
and other walking aids, they can be provided on loan from your local hospital
or community health service, usually on the recommendation of a physiotherapist.
A deposit may be required.
Artificial limbs If you need an artificial limb, they are provided, maintained and repaired at no charge. Your hospital consultant will refer you to your nearest Disablement Services Centre (DSC), or in Scotland and Wales, Artificial Limb and Appliance Centre (ALAC), where specialist medical staff prescribe the limb best suited to your needs and where you will also receive walking or arm training. The DSCs/ALACs are usually attached to regional hospitals.
Surgical Appliances If you need a surgical appliance (or ‘orthosis’) your GP will be able to refer you to a healthcare professional who will be able to prescribe an appliance to suit your needs. Appliances include elastic hosiery, trusses, surgical footwear, leg appliances, abdominal and spinal supports, surgical brassieres, artificial breasts, arm, neck and head appliances and wigs.
You may be asked to pay a charge for wigs, fabric supports, surgical brassieres and elastic hosiery. If you have a low income this may be waived, or you may be offered some financial assistance
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