Equipment to help with moving around the house

• Getting in and out of the house
• Answering the door
• Getting up and down stairs
• Getting out of a chair
• Getting in and out of bed
• Help moving others around the house

Getting in and out of the house

• Rails, half steps or ramps can be provided, normally for either front OR back door
• You would need to provide details of
  • your disabilities
  • what walking aids you use
  • the number of steps and their height
• If you do not own the property you live in you would need a written letter of agreement from your landlord
• You will also need to tell us about the condition of your walls and if your doorframe is wooden, UPVC or metal
• Contact OT Direct

Answering the door

This depends on who you want to answer the door to

• Relatives - it might be safest to give them a key, this will also help in an emergency situation
• Regular visitors - a key safe may be a solution if you are unable to answer the door and need to allow regular access to carers, for example. Please note that there are security risks in fitting key safes and you will need to notify your home insurer. They are available from DIY shops, or your local Home Improvement Agency may operate a Handyman scheme and they will fit one for you for a reasonable amount
• Door entry/intercom mechanisms can also be fitted in some situations
• Contact OT Direct

Getting up and down stairs

• A banister rail could be fitted for you
  • if you have one already, a second rail can also be provided
• If you do not own the property you live in you would need a written letter of agreement from your landlord
• You will also need to tell us about the condition of your walls
• If rails are not going to enable your relative to climb stairs without the possibility of injury to them and yourself, the Occupational Therapy Service will arrange a home visit to assess needs in more detail
• Stair lifts
  • the addition of one or more banister rails will be considered first, as well as details of your disabilities, and your home
  • The Occupational Therapy Service would expect to assess your need in some detail
  • People living in privately owned or rented and Housing Association accommodation may be eligible to apply to their District Council for a Disabled Facilities Grant
• Contact OT Direct

Getting out of a chair

• The type of chair that you use is important. It should be supportive, and with arms to assist in getting up. Putting additional cushions on the seat to raise it will not help.
• If you have a chair that is comfortable it may be possible to increase the height of the chair by using leg raisers or extended castors
• Contact OT Direct for additional information

Getting in and out of bed

• Difficulties getting in and out
  • raising the height of the bed or using a bed lever can help
• Difficulties turning over or sitting up
  • help in this instance will depend on the disabilities that you have and will probably require a home assessment
• Contact OT Direct for additional information

Help moving others around the house

A mobility assessment and if appropriate, mobility aid should be provided via your G.P. referring for physiotherapy assessment.

If this does not resolve the difficulties a moving and handling assessment, at the customers home will be provided.

If the situation is urgent and a customer or relative is in immediate need, or at risk of injury please contact

OT Direct

to make a referral.