Equipment and gadgets to help you with your daily activities
Most people want to live independently in their own homes. If you have a physical or learning disability or have limited mobility, there's a range of equipment that can help you to be independent in your home (for example telecare).
Equipment and gadgets
Below is a list of some of the equipment you can buy to help you to live independently and safely at home.
Telecare
Telecare are sensors that can be fit in your home and link to a 24 hour monitoring centre. Trained operators can contact your family or the emergency services if you need help. Below are some examples of telecare:
- an alarm pendant which is worn around the neck or on the wrist. If you need help you can press a button and help will arrive quickly
- fall detectors, bed sensors and epilepsy sensors. If you become ill suddenly (for example you have a seizure) or fall the sensor will automatically call for help
- memory aids such as memo minders allow you to record messages with daily reminders. For example reminding you to take medication or to eat meals on a regular basis
Depending on your situation Southwark may be able to assist you in installing an alarm or telecare equipment. You may need an assessment from the specialist Telecare Team. Stand-alone equipment is available free of charge but you may have to contribute towards the cost of monitored alarms. The maximum weekly charge is £5.75. For further information about charging, see our paying for your care page.
If you would like to talk to someone about having an alarm arranged by us please call 0207 525 3324. Details below explain where you can buy telecare.
Other equipment to help with day-to-day tasks include:
- bath board and grab handles around the bath area - to help you get in and out of the bath or shower safely
- chair raisers - to help with sitting down or getting up from your chair
- raised toilet seats and commodes - for help using the toilet
- mobility help, such as hoists, specialist beds and chairs
- equipment to help you get in and out of bed
- medication dispensers with visual and/or audio reminders - to remind you to take medication at the right time
The devices listed below are useful if you are/you know someone who has dementia:
- a device to switch the light on at night - to help for when you get out of bed
- a keys reminder device - reminding you to take your keys when you leave your home
- a safer walking device (also known as a GPS) - to help you return home if you become disorientated and don’t know how to get home
Where you can buy equipment and gadgets
Telecare
You can buy other equipment from a range of organisations and shops, including:
What you need to know before buying equipment
Before buying any equipment it's a good idea to seek independent advice to ensure the equipment will meet your needs.
Adapting your home to make living independently in your home easier
Making changes to your home (for example adding grab rails) may help you to live more independently at home. You can hire a local professional to do this or use the Southwark Handyman service. Our Handyman service offers help with minor adaptations to homes.
Further sources of information and support
- Southwark Disablement Association provide information and advice for people with a physical or sensory disability
- The Disabled Living Foundation have produced a range of factsheets that provide general advice about things to consider when choosing daily living equipment; you can call the Disabled Living Foundation helpline on 0300 999 0004
- NHS Choices provides a Guide to Care Equipment, Aids & Adaptations
- National charity RiDC carries out research and publishes information to enable disabled and older people to live independently
- Turn2us provide information on grants, welfare and other financial help
Page last updated: 12 September 2023
