Equipment to help you live independently (adult social care)
Overview
In South Tyneside, we want to support people to continue to live independently in their own homes.
There is a wide range of equipment that can help people with everyday tasks that may have become an issue because of disability, ill-health or due to changes as we grow older.
Making physical changes to the home may also be considered to make it easier and safer to get around.
Equipment can help to make your life easier if you're having problems with daily living activities in your home such as moving around your home safely or getting in and out of the bath or shower.
How to get equipment
If you think you may need equipment, you need to be referred by the Let's Talk team or your GP.
For more information on how to get equipment, see contact the Let's Talk team.
How to get equipment for yourself
AskSARA (online self help tool)
AskSARA is an online self-help guide. It provides expert advice and information on products and equipment for people of all ages who want to stay independent in and outside of their home.
To use it:
- Go to South Tyneside's AskSARA tool
- Choose the area you would like help and support with
- Answer some questions about yourself and your environment
Once you have completed the questions, AskSARA will create a free personalised report providing:
- clear, tailored advice written by experts on ways to help you stay independent in your home
- an impartial list of products and equipment, specific to your needs, with information on where to get them
- further help and contacts for more information
- an option to save your report and share it with family, friends and care workers
Buying your own equipment
There are many companies that sell equipment, if you would rather buy your own, including:
For more services who sell / hire equipment Search our A-Z directory of services.
After buying, if you need help fitting any equipment, you can find either an approved local trader on the business approval register website or contact ACTS Handy Service.
Further help
Mobility equipment
If you need mobility related equipment such as walking sticks and walking frames, or wheelchairs, please contact your GP surgery who will make a referral to the relevant service.
Assistive technology
If you are looking for assistive technology, such as alarm pendants and bed sensors, to quickly alert someone if a person has a fall, see assistive technology.
Living Better Lives Resource Centre
The Living Better Lives Resource Centre is a community equipment loan service within South Tyneside Council.
It supplies different types of equipment on loan to help people of all ages to live independently at home.
You need to be referred into this service by contacting the Let's Talk team.
Contact Let's Talk
If you still find daily tasks difficult and would like more advice or guidance, our trained advisors within the Let's Talk Team can help guide you to the right support to remain independent.