Living safely at home
If you are living with a disability or health condition or are getting older, you may find it difficult to get around your home and complete everyday tasks independently and safely. There are many things you can do to stay independent for as long as possible.
This can include a piece of useful equipment, practical help with daily tasks, adaptations to your home or help with getting out and about in the community. When you first contact us, we will have a conversation with you to better understand your circumstances, or those of the person you are concerned about.
Equipment to help you stay safe
If you are experiencing difficulties with your daily routine and activities, equipment, simple aids or minor adaptions can help to keep you safe and independent in your own home. There is a range of equipment available from bathing aids, bedroom aids, grab rails, kitchen aids to toileting aids to help you live independently and safely.
You can purchase many simple pieces of equipment or aids yourself from your local pharmacy, supermarket, hardware stores and mobility outlets as well as ordering them on online.
Community Equipment Service
NRS Healthcare is the provider of the Community Equipment Service on behalf of the London Borough of Wandsworth and the NHS. NRS Healthcare delivers, collects, maintains, repairs and recycles a range of equipment and aids that support individuals of all ages to be as independent as possible at home and in the community.
To access equipment, you will need to have an occupational therapy assessment. Following the assessment, equipment can be provided on loan to support independent living. You can ask your GP for a referral or you can contact the Adult Social Care team for further information.
For community equipment assessments relating to children email cssot.referrals@stgeorges.nhs.uk.
Repair of equipment
If you are aware of equipment requiring repair, report this quickly and directly to NRS Healthcare. This helps to reduce the risk to the person using the equipment and ensures that it is in a suitable condition to meet their needs. If a repair is not possible a replacement may be required.
Where applicable, NRS Healthcare will repair and maintain loaned community equipment. To check if the item qualifies for a repair and to arrange a service or repair you can contact NRS Healthcare on 0345 121 3456.
Returning equipment
If you or someone you know has already benefited from loaned equipment that is no longer required, NRS Healthcare can arrange a free collection and recycle the item to help others in need. Before arranging for a collection or returning an item, please first check with the occupational therapist, clinician or person who ordered the equipment on your behalf, to confirm that you no longer need it, and that it can be returned.
Where the person using the equipment has passed away a family member can arrange for the equipment to be collected. To do this please contact NRS Healthcare on 0300 100 0253 or email enquiries@london.nrs-uk.net.
Find out more information about NRS Healthcare.
Major adaptations to your home
In some circumstances it may be necessary to make significant changes to your home to make it easier for you to move about and use your home safely and independently. You may need a major adaptation, such as a stair lift, level access shower or access ramp.
Depending on your situation, including your financial circumstances, you may be eligible for a Disabled Facilities Grant to help with the cost of making adaptations to your home. The Home Improvement Agency can provide more information and help you apply for a grant if you are eligible.
Where can I get more information and advice?
If you are unsure as to what equipment you may need, you can contact Disabled Living for impartial advice and information on independent living.
Disabled Living
Telephone: 0161 214 4590
Email: info@disabledliving.co.uk
Website: www.disabledliving.co.uk
Getting support from the council
Whether you need a simple aid or equipment or an adaptation, you can contact us for further information and advice and to discuss how best to support you to stay independent in your home. We can arrange for some of the appropriate equipment to be provided to you on loan. The equipment must be returned to the council when you no longer require it, so it can be recycled.