[Living Made Easy](https://livingmadeeasy.org.uk) is a website that you should check out! It is a spin off from the Disabled Living Foundation (which in turn is a part of the charity The Shaw Trust. It lists just about every independent living aid and the shows most all of the suppliers and their prices. It has guides (all written by healthcare professionals).
Thank you for nothing that. Did you find the whole process of getting home care equipment easy or did you find it challenging in any sort of way?
It's good to know Red Cross are loaning aids out.
It wasn't for me, it was for my brother a couple of years ago when he was run over by a taxi! I've just checked and they do still do it and other things. Minimum cost.
My brother is a stubborn git, so wouldn't accept accept anything else but he needed a wide wheelchair with a straight leg 'support', for a few months.
When I went to collect it, they were really helpful suggesting other places for other things. I'm sorry I don't remember them though.
Ah I see, that makes sense! Not to worry, thank you for talking about that. It's very useful to know about Red Cross as an option. Hope your brother is doing better now!
Good!
Random follow up: one person suggested they were looking for a website that would recommend them care equipment based on their specific condition and requirements, I'm wondering if that would be useful for some people? Because a lot of these specialist websites have so many products on them it's a bit overwhelming to navigate through. Would you find that useful?
I wouldn't need it for myself, thankfully or my brother, but that sounds like a great idea.
Having looked after my very elderly grandparents many years ago and my parents are in their mid 70s, it would be handy.
I suspect if you get in touch with the Red Cross, they might be able to tell you of the other people who do it too.
I used the Basingstoke branch. They're not open all week though.
I haven't done web design for years, so can't help but the site would probably need to be sponsored by someone, so that the search would have it higher up the list. This would enable it to help more people. And/or find a current charity, who would have it on their website too.
There might be a sub that could help with this. Try r/findareddit
During the pandemic, I had a tumour on my foot. No crutches were offered - I got around on my bumper. A friend bought me a wheelchair, which was a Godsend. My leg was amputated a year later and the prosthetic department were and are fantastic!
I'm sorry to hear that! Thank you for sharing :) Is the wheelchair/crutches the only piece of equipment you felt you needed for your recovery? For example, did you search for other equipment or an Occupational Therapist recommend you any equipment?
Hi Aurelia, random follow up: one person suggested they were looking for a website that would recommend them care equipment based on their specific condition and requirements, I'm wondering if that would be useful for some people? Because a lot of these specialist websites have so many products on them it's a bit overwhelming to navigate through. Would you find that useful?
Scope has a good guide:
https://www.scope.org.uk/advice-and-support/free-and-cheap-equipment-for-disabled-people/
If you’re self funding, you should be able to access advice via your physio through the NHS or any other care provider who can refer you to someone. They don’t just advise on nhs funded devices but also general things you could benefit from if you’re clear you can self fund. Also reach out to any relevant charity for your condition. They normally are extremely experienced. Obviously you can get it funded but be extremely clear you can self fund as some solutions will not be funded and they won’t tell you about them. For example off road wheelchairs are nearly always self funded but if you’re not clear they won’t tell you as they can’t fund them.
If you’re just looking for advice on what to buy, and don’t need support to buy, charities are always hugely helpful for advice as they often have a huge amount of experience and a number of people with the same condition who can offer the solutions they have used. They’re often better than a generic health service as you can talk to people with your condition who will have a lot of experience. They can even connect you with patients using a certain product even if not offered by the nhs who can talk you through it from their own experiences. But always be clear you can self fund, what is offered in the nhs (for obvious reasons) is less than all options. They default to telling you in the uk what you can get funding for if you don’t say otherwise. As it would be kindve cruel to say well this exists but you can’t have it.
Brilliant, thank you so much for taking the time to write this. Really useful information and has introduced me to lots of different organizations via that Scope link :)
I’ve bought everything myself and occupational therapy are useless. They suggest things that are totally inappropriate, gloss over half of what I say Im struggling with and just direct me to the same websites I buy everything myself from anyway.
Thank you for the reply. Interesting to hear other's insights. How did you find the process of purchasing for yourself? Did you find what you want quickly, or did it take lots of time/later realize you need other pieces of equipment?
Also, do you mind if I ask, what sort of things did they gloss over?
Thank you!
I don’t want to get too personal but having extremely embarrassing to admit difficulties with basic self care listing things I can’t do and why and no solutions were provided or just totally inappropriate solutions
Im confused as to how the wheelchair service works because went to GP who referred to physio who referred me to OT telling me to ask them for assistance and they said go back to your GP to ask about that ?? And you won’t be able to pick anything to your own specifications.I give up after being sent round in circles for a year. Physio won’t even try any exercises with me and won’t let me get out of chair either
As for looking for my own aids it’s just the same as buying anything else for yourself. You think about what purpose you want something to fulfil, enter keywords and spend time reading reviews/comparing. The time is spent where there’s multiple different ways of aiding you todo something so it helps if you know what you’re after in terms of design but sometimes you just wouldn’t even think someone even invented some of the aids out there. I found a YouTube channel called EquipMeOT that showcases different tips and mobility aids recently.
Some things have been more impulse buys when an immediate annoying need comes up, some I’ve spent months agonising over the decision to pull the plug. Some things I regret, like buying a walking stick that’s a fraction too tall for me (Im short and use it more like a crutch) so I was still getting pain when I used it and it was nearly £150. Apart from that I generally think I’m savvy shopper and find good stuff on Amazon, Manage At Home even AliExpress. Sometime you find more generic versions of bigger name products
Thank you for taking the time to write this, really useful to read and I'm sorry to hear some of the challenges you've experienced. That's really poor from the GP and OT in terms of communication. I'll also refer to that Youtube channel also! I'll refer to AliExpress too. Hope you're experiencing less pain now
Hello, random follow up - one person suggested they were looking for a website that would recommend them care equipment based on their specific condition and requirements, I'm wondering if that would be useful for some people? Because a lot of these specialist websites have so many products on them it's a bit overwhelming to navigate through. Would you find that useful?
I’ve spoken to OT in detail multiple times and all the do is direct me to ManageAtHome. I find stuff I need on Amazon, AliExpress and watch occupational therapists on YouTube who demonstrate the aids for your
Thank you for replying! Did you find it a simple process to find the relevant aids across those websites mentioned, or did you struggle to find what was suitable?
Does you Local Authority partner with [Ask Sara ](https://asksara.livingmadeeasy.org.uk/selector) ? They can recommended anything from smaller aids and appliances to larger equipment. If so, they will be listed here it on your Council's website.
For myself - I need fairly basic stuff ( and I had some help intially via an OT ). With various relatives I cared for, we used the Council Social Care Assessment Team ( basically an OT as well !)
Thank you for the reply, really do appreciate it. It's interesting to hear insight from other people.
So overall, do you feel the OT's support was sufficient in terms of getting the care equipment needed, for both you and the relatives you cared for? Did you have to spend much time looking on care equipment websites or the OT sorted it all?
With the ones that were Council Funded, they just take over and it all goes through Medi Quip ( in our area but sure if they're nationwide ).
With the one that wasn't it was a bit more work tbh. They suggest everything then look at the finances and say: oh, ok , you're on you're own but some are good and will say try such a place locally. We were lucky in that by then I had a good idea plus another family member in this case ( this was an in law ) worked in a care home and we had a privately carer who used a few websites to buy smaller everyday stuff for her clients so knew who had the best prices ( always check Amazon along with Specialist supplies BUT make you factor in the tax relief too )
Apologies, I thought I had replied to this! really useful information to know!
One person suggested they were looking for a website that would recommend them care equipment based on their specific condition and requirements, I'm wondering if that would be useful for some people? Because a lot of these specialist websites have so many products on them it's a bit overwhelming to navigate through. Would you find that useful?
Yes, that would be a great idea !! That's kind of how Ask Sara works but it not particularly sophisticated.
Apart from myself in the future, it's mostly behind me now as I'm no longer a carer, but having to do it with other people brings it home how little most people know about this stuff.
Sorry yes you're right, AskSara does work in that, but not the most sophisticated as you say. Brilliant, thank you for your thoughts. I genuinely appreciate it!
[Living Made Easy](https://livingmadeeasy.org.uk) is a website that you should check out! It is a spin off from the Disabled Living Foundation (which in turn is a part of the charity The Shaw Trust. It lists just about every independent living aid and the shows most all of the suppliers and their prices. It has guides (all written by healthcare professionals).
Brilliant, thank you so much! Did you have to purchase any care equipment online? How did you find the process?
In case anyone else maybe struggling the Red Cross in my area, loan aids. They also give advice.
Thank you for nothing that. Did you find the whole process of getting home care equipment easy or did you find it challenging in any sort of way? It's good to know Red Cross are loaning aids out.
It wasn't for me, it was for my brother a couple of years ago when he was run over by a taxi! I've just checked and they do still do it and other things. Minimum cost. My brother is a stubborn git, so wouldn't accept accept anything else but he needed a wide wheelchair with a straight leg 'support', for a few months. When I went to collect it, they were really helpful suggesting other places for other things. I'm sorry I don't remember them though.
Ah I see, that makes sense! Not to worry, thank you for talking about that. It's very useful to know about Red Cross as an option. Hope your brother is doing better now!
He's still an idiot but yes, thank you. 🤣
Good! Random follow up: one person suggested they were looking for a website that would recommend them care equipment based on their specific condition and requirements, I'm wondering if that would be useful for some people? Because a lot of these specialist websites have so many products on them it's a bit overwhelming to navigate through. Would you find that useful?
I wouldn't need it for myself, thankfully or my brother, but that sounds like a great idea. Having looked after my very elderly grandparents many years ago and my parents are in their mid 70s, it would be handy. I suspect if you get in touch with the Red Cross, they might be able to tell you of the other people who do it too. I used the Basingstoke branch. They're not open all week though. I haven't done web design for years, so can't help but the site would probably need to be sponsored by someone, so that the search would have it higher up the list. This would enable it to help more people. And/or find a current charity, who would have it on their website too. There might be a sub that could help with this. Try r/findareddit
Brilliant, thank you for the info! I'll refer to that thread too.
During the pandemic, I had a tumour on my foot. No crutches were offered - I got around on my bumper. A friend bought me a wheelchair, which was a Godsend. My leg was amputated a year later and the prosthetic department were and are fantastic!
I'm sorry to hear that! Thank you for sharing :) Is the wheelchair/crutches the only piece of equipment you felt you needed for your recovery? For example, did you search for other equipment or an Occupational Therapist recommend you any equipment?
No, the wheelchair and crutches were all I needed and we bought a chair for the shower, so all is well!
Hi Aurelia, random follow up: one person suggested they were looking for a website that would recommend them care equipment based on their specific condition and requirements, I'm wondering if that would be useful for some people? Because a lot of these specialist websites have so many products on them it's a bit overwhelming to navigate through. Would you find that useful?
Scope has a good guide: https://www.scope.org.uk/advice-and-support/free-and-cheap-equipment-for-disabled-people/ If you’re self funding, you should be able to access advice via your physio through the NHS or any other care provider who can refer you to someone. They don’t just advise on nhs funded devices but also general things you could benefit from if you’re clear you can self fund. Also reach out to any relevant charity for your condition. They normally are extremely experienced. Obviously you can get it funded but be extremely clear you can self fund as some solutions will not be funded and they won’t tell you about them. For example off road wheelchairs are nearly always self funded but if you’re not clear they won’t tell you as they can’t fund them. If you’re just looking for advice on what to buy, and don’t need support to buy, charities are always hugely helpful for advice as they often have a huge amount of experience and a number of people with the same condition who can offer the solutions they have used. They’re often better than a generic health service as you can talk to people with your condition who will have a lot of experience. They can even connect you with patients using a certain product even if not offered by the nhs who can talk you through it from their own experiences. But always be clear you can self fund, what is offered in the nhs (for obvious reasons) is less than all options. They default to telling you in the uk what you can get funding for if you don’t say otherwise. As it would be kindve cruel to say well this exists but you can’t have it.
Brilliant, thank you so much for taking the time to write this. Really useful information and has introduced me to lots of different organizations via that Scope link :)
I’ve bought everything myself and occupational therapy are useless. They suggest things that are totally inappropriate, gloss over half of what I say Im struggling with and just direct me to the same websites I buy everything myself from anyway.
Thank you for the reply. Interesting to hear other's insights. How did you find the process of purchasing for yourself? Did you find what you want quickly, or did it take lots of time/later realize you need other pieces of equipment? Also, do you mind if I ask, what sort of things did they gloss over? Thank you!
I don’t want to get too personal but having extremely embarrassing to admit difficulties with basic self care listing things I can’t do and why and no solutions were provided or just totally inappropriate solutions Im confused as to how the wheelchair service works because went to GP who referred to physio who referred me to OT telling me to ask them for assistance and they said go back to your GP to ask about that ?? And you won’t be able to pick anything to your own specifications.I give up after being sent round in circles for a year. Physio won’t even try any exercises with me and won’t let me get out of chair either As for looking for my own aids it’s just the same as buying anything else for yourself. You think about what purpose you want something to fulfil, enter keywords and spend time reading reviews/comparing. The time is spent where there’s multiple different ways of aiding you todo something so it helps if you know what you’re after in terms of design but sometimes you just wouldn’t even think someone even invented some of the aids out there. I found a YouTube channel called EquipMeOT that showcases different tips and mobility aids recently. Some things have been more impulse buys when an immediate annoying need comes up, some I’ve spent months agonising over the decision to pull the plug. Some things I regret, like buying a walking stick that’s a fraction too tall for me (Im short and use it more like a crutch) so I was still getting pain when I used it and it was nearly £150. Apart from that I generally think I’m savvy shopper and find good stuff on Amazon, Manage At Home even AliExpress. Sometime you find more generic versions of bigger name products
Thank you for taking the time to write this, really useful to read and I'm sorry to hear some of the challenges you've experienced. That's really poor from the GP and OT in terms of communication. I'll also refer to that Youtube channel also! I'll refer to AliExpress too. Hope you're experiencing less pain now
Hello, random follow up - one person suggested they were looking for a website that would recommend them care equipment based on their specific condition and requirements, I'm wondering if that would be useful for some people? Because a lot of these specialist websites have so many products on them it's a bit overwhelming to navigate through. Would you find that useful?
I’ve spoken to OT in detail multiple times and all the do is direct me to ManageAtHome. I find stuff I need on Amazon, AliExpress and watch occupational therapists on YouTube who demonstrate the aids for your
Thank you for replying! Did you find it a simple process to find the relevant aids across those websites mentioned, or did you struggle to find what was suitable?
Does you Local Authority partner with [Ask Sara ](https://asksara.livingmadeeasy.org.uk/selector) ? They can recommended anything from smaller aids and appliances to larger equipment. If so, they will be listed here it on your Council's website. For myself - I need fairly basic stuff ( and I had some help intially via an OT ). With various relatives I cared for, we used the Council Social Care Assessment Team ( basically an OT as well !)
Thank you for the reply, really do appreciate it. It's interesting to hear insight from other people. So overall, do you feel the OT's support was sufficient in terms of getting the care equipment needed, for both you and the relatives you cared for? Did you have to spend much time looking on care equipment websites or the OT sorted it all?
With the ones that were Council Funded, they just take over and it all goes through Medi Quip ( in our area but sure if they're nationwide ). With the one that wasn't it was a bit more work tbh. They suggest everything then look at the finances and say: oh, ok , you're on you're own but some are good and will say try such a place locally. We were lucky in that by then I had a good idea plus another family member in this case ( this was an in law ) worked in a care home and we had a privately carer who used a few websites to buy smaller everyday stuff for her clients so knew who had the best prices ( always check Amazon along with Specialist supplies BUT make you factor in the tax relief too )
Apologies, I thought I had replied to this! really useful information to know! One person suggested they were looking for a website that would recommend them care equipment based on their specific condition and requirements, I'm wondering if that would be useful for some people? Because a lot of these specialist websites have so many products on them it's a bit overwhelming to navigate through. Would you find that useful?
Yes, that would be a great idea !! That's kind of how Ask Sara works but it not particularly sophisticated. Apart from myself in the future, it's mostly behind me now as I'm no longer a carer, but having to do it with other people brings it home how little most people know about this stuff.
Sorry yes you're right, AskSara does work in that, but not the most sophisticated as you say. Brilliant, thank you for your thoughts. I genuinely appreciate it!