After a stroke, you may benefit from using special equipment or technology to help with daily tasks that may be more difficult than before. Using items such as adapted cutlery to help with eating and drinking and making small changes such as putting the toilet paper on your unaffected side can help you to stay independent.
Where can I find more information?
The Stroke Association provide a leaflet with information on equipment for independent living and mobility that tells you about the types of equipment available and where you can get support and advice on buying equipment.
If you are already under the care of your local community stroke team, you can ask them more about this topic at your next visit.
Support in your area
The William Merritt Disabled Living Centre offers impartial advice and assessments for people of all ages living with a disability or long-term condition to help you achieve greater independence and fulfilment. Assessments are carried out by experienced occupational therapists. They make sure the daily living equipment you choose is right for you and most assessments are free of charge.
You can visit their mobility aid assessment page for more information on aids for all activities, including out and about, at home, and fun and leisure.
Referrals can be made for each of the categories below. Please select the category to find out more information and make a referral.
You can self-refer or be referred by a family member, your NHS, GP or council professional for a free assessment. You can also be referred by a private clinician, case management professional or solicitor but there is a fee for this type of referral.
Available to people living within the Braford district. They offer impartial advice on what equipment will best suit your individual needs and tell you how to go about getting the equipment you need. They have an equipment shop, demonstration space and have wheelchairs for short-term hire. Click here for more information
You or your healthcare professional can contact your local social services call centre to make a referral for aids and adaptations.
You may be eligible for a disabled facilities grant from your local council if you need to make changes to your home. You can visit the government website to find out if you are eligible and apply for a grant.
REMAP is a UK charity providing custom-made equipment, free of charge for people with disabilities. The service is there for when there is nothing you can buy to suit your needs.
The referral link can be used to self-refer or to refer on behalf of someone else.
Local branches include Leeds, Castleford, Harrogate, York, and Doncaster.
Changing places are accessible toilets designed for people who may need extra equipment and space to use the toilets safely and comfortably. You can find more information about changing places toilets and their locations on the Changing Places website.
Access to Work is a government service that can help get you to work, enabling you to stay in your job if you have a physical condition, mental health condition, and/or disability. They can also help pay for things like specialist equipment and assistive software adaptations. You can check if you are eligible for support and apply for an access to work grant on the Access to Work website.
Telecare equipment can help you to live safely and independently in your own home. This can include wearable pendants that link to a call centre and can alert your chosen contact in case of an emergency, sensors for beds, chairs and floor mats that can help alert for falls, heat sensors, smoke detectors and reminders for medication. Please also find more information on the Housing topic page here.
Telecare packages can be arranged through your local council adult social services team. You, or your healthcare professional, can contact your local team for more information.
If you have had hearing or visual changes as a result of your stroke, you may benefit from hearing or visual equipment. You, or your healthcare professional, can contact your local adult social services centre for hearing and vision specialists to advise you on available equipment. The RNIB (Royal National Institute of Blind People) also provide information on a range of equipment for visual impairment. Click here for more information.
If you struggle to organise or remember to take your medications, there are devices available to help with this. Speak to your GP, Pharmacy, or community stroke team for more information. Please also find more information on Medication topic here.
Shopmobility hires out wheelchairs and scooters to people with limited mobility to shop and explore White Rose Centre and Leeds City Centre (from the Merrion Centre).
Disclaimer
The availability of equipment and technology may vary in different areas. Not all equipment is suitable for all people. An assessment by an occupational therapist may be required for some equipment. Always use equipment as advised and follow and instructions provided by your professional team.
