Equipment, home adaptations and assistive technology

If you, or someone you know is living with dementia, there are products available from Manage At Home, AT Dementia and the Alzheimer’s Society online shop that act as reminders or alarms to help keep you safe in your own home. For example:

• calendar clocks
• memo minders – e.g. to remind someone to take medication or put a chain on the door
• locating devices
• door and bed alarms

There are various reminder and alert apps available for use with smart phones. These can be found on your Play Store or App Store. You can also find some recommended NHS Apps.

Adult social care does not provide mobility aids. 

Walking sticks, frames and wheelchairs        

You’ll need to speak to your GP or health care professional for a referral for a mobility assessment or to the wheelchair service.

Mobility scooters

You’ll need to buy your own mobility scooter from a private retailer, or check to see if you can use the mobility part of your disability benefit to buy one.

The council cannot provide shelters, a power supply or ramps for scooter access to your property.

Minor adaptations and equipment for your home include items such as:

• handrails at the front and / or rear entrance of your home
• an additional stair rail
• bathing equipment to help you get in and out of the bath or shower
• bed and chair raisers

If you’re over 18 and live in the county of Leicestershire, you can complete an online self-assessment form for equipment and minor adaptations. You may be eligible for some simple equipment and minor adaptations free of charge, however, there is a waiting list and priority is given to the most vulnerable people in our community who need help the most.

You may be considering whether you need a major adaptation to your property to:

• improve access to your home
• widen doors or install ramps for permanent wheelchair use
• modify your bathroom so that you have easier access to toilet and washing facilities.

How to get a major adaptation

• If you live in your own property, and you’re able to fund your adaptations yourself, see:
  • the Age UK Business Directory for trustworthy businesses
  • MyBuilder for quality tradesmen who have been reviewed by other homeowners
  • top tips for buying a stair lift privately
• If you’re a private tenant, you’ll need to approach your landlord.

• If you are a tenant in a council property, contact your local district council housing department

If you are a tenant in a property owned by a registered social landlord or are a tenant privately renting, contact your landlord to discuss your needs.

You may be asked to Contact Adult Social Care or First Response Children’s Duty Team for an assessment of your housing needs to determine what adaptations may be suitable to meet your needs.

If you need financial support, visit our page on disabled facilities grants