Carers Information Pack - Equipment and Adaptations to your home

If you would like a PDF version of the full pack or individual sections of it, emailed to you please contact us.

Organisations providing and supplying equipment and adaptations include West Sussex County Council (Adult and Childrens Services), the NHS, voluntary organisations and private companies.  It is worth getting professional advice about the most appropriate piece of equipment before buying something and about the suitability of any adaptations to your home which may be necessary to make it more suitable for the disabled person.  An Occupational Therapist or your local council can explain what grants may be available, and details of eligibility. 

Disabled facilities grants are provided by District and Borough councils for a range of home adaptations that help disabled people to live more independently in their own homes.  Disabled facilities grants mainly help to make sure that disabled people can move more freely and safely around their home and use essential facilities. In all cases, the disabled person must be registered as disabled, or eligible for registration.  The amount of grant you get will depend on your income, savings and investments.  District or borough council officers use this information to determine how much you can afford to pay towards the cost of the adaptations.  You will not normally get any grant if you start work before your council approves your application.  For more information, contact your local council.

ABILITYONE HOMECRAFT LTD Produces a catalogue of aids and equipment for daily living, including mobility, bathroom and toilet aids, household equipment, wheelchairs etc. 

AIDS AND EQUIPMENT FOR HELP WITH EVERYDAY TASKS Many private companies listed in Yellow Pages, magazines and newspapers offer aids and equipment for sale.  Many organisations listed in this pack can give advice on suitability of equipment and give details of private companies that may be able to supply particular items of equipment. 

 BRITISH RED CROSS - EQUIPMENT Loans and sells medical equipment.  Equipment is loaned free of charge, although a refundable deposit is requested and donations are welcome.  Other services may also be offered, depending on the branch.

·       Rustington, Red Cross Centre, Somerfield Car Park, Broadmark Lane, Rustington

·       Shoreham, c/o CAB, Pond Road, Shoreham by Sea

·       Worthing, Red Cross, 12 Shelley Road, Worthing

·       Horsham, Unit 12, Oakhurst Business Park, Wilberforce Way, Blakes Farm Road, Southwater

www.redcross.org.uk

BT AGE & DISABILITY ACTION Promotes equal access to phone service. BT have made provision for textphone users, offer BT information in accessible formats and have developed products that they hope appeal to both disabled and non-disabled people. http://www.bt.com/includingyou/

 CARE CENTRES LTD Based at 73-75 Rowlands Road, Worthing, Care Centres Ltd specialises in a variety of disability equipment, both new and old.  Has a delivery service and can supply equipment on approval where appropriate and the premises are wheelchair accessible.

DISABLED LIVING FOUNDATION (DLF) DLF offers practical, up to date, unbiased information and advice on disability equipment and assistive technology.  They also have a wide range of publications including a comprehensive directory of equipment and assistive technology, and an equipment demonstration centre in London. www.dlf.org.uk

DISABILITY EQUIPMENT SERVICE (ASKDES) ASKDES offers the opportunity for people to buy and sell equipment locally. www.askdes.org.uk

 OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY SERVICE – AIDS & EQUIPMENT Occupational Therapists (OTs) with West Sussex County Council provide advice on all aspects of the management of physical disability.  Contact your local Help Desk to ask for an assessment.

REMAP – REHABILITATION ENGINEERING MOVEMENT ADVISORY PANEL Volunteer engineers make or modify aids and equipment for people with disabilities when suitable equipment is not available commercially.  www.remap.org.uk

WHEELCHAIR SERVICE Provides and maintains manual and powered wheelchairs issued on loan, on prescription only.  Initial referral is via hospital, GP, OT or consultant.

This page was last updated 20/04/2012