Home equipment and support
Equipment can make everyday tasks easier, but support is available in lots of different ways. Local groups, activities, community organisations and services can all help people stay active, connected and independent. Find out more on the Lancashire Service Finder.
We want people to live good lives and stay independent for as long as possible.
Equipment and small changes to your home can help you stay safe, do more things for yourself and continue enjoying what matters to you.
You may benefit from support if you find it difficult to:
get in and out of your home
use the stairs
get in and out of the bath or shower
prepare food or drinks
move safely around your home
There are different types of support available to help you stay independent at home.
How to get equipment
Speak to a health professional
A district nurse or therapist involved in your care can provide advice. They may be able to offer some equipment to help you.
Get equipment advice online
AskSARA is a free online tool. It asks questions about the difficulties you are having and suggests equipment that may help.
It can tell you:
what equipment may be useful
where you can buy it
how much it may cost
Need more support?
An Occupational Therapist can help you find ways to stay safe, independent and confident at home. They can suggest equipment, adaptations and other support to help you do the things that matter to you.
Getting equipment through Lancashire County Council
If you are eligible, we can recommend equipment and provide you with a prescription.
You can use this to receive equipment from local retailers across Lancashire.
This gives you more choice and control over the type of equipment you can choose and where you get it from.
Buying your own equipment
You can buy your own equipment without coming to us.
You can contact:
equipment providers - you can find them on our Safe Trader website
Technology that can help you stay safe
Technology can help you stay independent and give reassurance to your family or carers.
For example, technology can:
call for help if you fall
remind you to take medication
alert someone if you leave your home unexpectedly
detect smoke, gas or flooding
Support can be tailored to your needs. Find out more about how technology can help you here.
Equipment provided by the NHS
Some equipment is provided by the NHS rather than Lancashire County Council.
This includes:
wheelchairs
hospital beds
walking aids
If your needs are mainly related to your health, the NHS may be able to help.