Equipment to stay independent

Adaptive equipment and minor adaptations

Equipment and adaptations can help you to stay living at home as independently as possible and can help reduce falls at home. 

Here are some examples of what our equipment can help with: 

• getting into and out of bed
• getting in and out of the bath, or up from the toilet 
• getting washed and dressed 
• getting up out of a chair 
• carrying things between rooms 
• kitchen safety 
• preventing falls

Arranging equipment

If you’re finding some areas of daily living difficult and believe you have a condition you need help with, please contact Adult Social Care and ask for an assessment. A trained person will carry out an assessment to see if you are eligible for support. 

Or call Adult Social Care on 0118 937 3747.

Our equipment is provided by Berkshire Community Equipment Service through a company called NRS Health Care. 

 NRS Health care will deliver, fit, maintain and service the equipment while it is on loan to you.   

If you would like to find your own solution you can order equipment directly from NRS Health Care our equipment provider.

If you buy your own equipment and you are disabled or have a long-term illness, you won’t be charged VAT on products designed or adapted for your own personal or domestic use. 

Your supplier should be able to advise you if zero rating can be applied to a particular item. More information is also available at the GOV.UK website  (opens new window). 

Returning equipment

All equipment loaned by the Council will have an NRS label on it with contact details. if you no longer require the equipment or move, please contact NRS Health Care on 0344 893 6960 (Monday to Friday 8.30am – 6pm) who will come and collect it free of charge. 

Wheelchair and walking aids

Talk to your GP if you think you need a wheelchair or walking aid. They will arrange for your needs to be assessed. 

You can hire wheelchairs through the Red Cross. 

There may be a charge for hire. 

Arranging Minor Adaptations  

The council can also help with minor adaptions to help you remain independent at home and prevent falls. Minor adaptations include:  

• key safe
• grabrails
• handrails
• banister rails 

Minor adaptations up to £1000 are not means tested and can be completed free of charge. If you need help and cannot arrange your own minor adaptations contact Adult Social Care and ask for an assessment . A trained person will carry out an assessment to see if you are eligible for support. 

Housing association tenant: Please speak to your housing provider in the first instance to see if they will provide minor adaptions such as rails for you. 

 If you would like to find your own solution you can contact Age UK who also provide repairs and rails for a small charge. 

Arranging Major Adaptations and Disabled Facilities Grants  

More information on how to arrange an adaptation over £1000. 

Major adaptations include:  

• showers
• ramps
• stairlifts