Household gadgets and equipment to make life easier

If you, or someone you know, struggles with everyday tasks, there might be gadgets or equipment to help make life easier.

Equipment that can help

Going to the toilet

• a chair with hidden toilet (commode) – if getting to the toilet is difficult
• push button to flush the toilet
• raised toilet seat

Using the bathroom

• slip mat for the bath or shower
• a rail to help you get out of the bath or shower
• easy to turn handles for taps

Cooking and eating

• a kettle with a holder to make it easy to pour
• knives and forks with special handles to make them easy to hold
• easy to grip jugs or graters
• cups with 2 handles

Getting out of bed or out of a chair

• a rail you attach to the bed (grab rail)
• straps to help you lift your leg (leg lifters)
• things to raise your bed
• reclining chairs

Getting dressed

• hooks to help pull zips, undo buttons and pull jackets on
• gadgets to help put socks, tights and pants on

Caring for children

• chairs to help support children in the bath
• seats to help children sit upright

Staying safe

Read about key safes, intercoms and sensors that alert carers if you fall in our guide to personal alarms and security systems.

How to get gadgets and equipment

Gadgets and equipment can be small or big, and costs vary.

The Living made easy website will give you an idea of the types of equipment available, what they cost and where to buy them.

How your council can help

Your local council offers a service that assesses your home and recommends equipment or adaptations. Having a home assessment is free.

Ask social services at your local council about getting a home assessment.

Find your local council and apply for equipment for your home if you're disabled, on GOV.UK.

A home assessment might also identify home adaptations that would make life easier for you.

Getting a grant

If you have an illness or disability and cannot get the help you need from your local council or the NHS, you might be able to get a grant to help with the costs.

Independence at Home has grants for disabled people and those with a long-term illness who need financial help.

Hiring or loaning equipment

You might want to hire equipment, for example to see if it's right for you before buying, if you only need it for a short while or you need it to take on holiday.

Try searching online for:

• specialist disability equipment hire
• local disability equipment suppliers

You may be able to hire a commode, toilet seat or toilet frame from the Red Cross.

Help and advice

• Advice on all types of equipment from Living made easy
• Home adaptations: consumer guides on the Research Institute for Disabled Consumers (RiDC) website
• Choosing and buying equipment on Which? Later Life Care