The purpose of daily living aids - or equipment – is to make sure you are as confident, mobile, independent and safe as possible while you are going about your everyday life.
There is now a wide range of daily living equipment to help you with everyday tasks in the kitchen and around the home. Some are designed especially for older people, while others are intended to be used by people with specific disabilities, e.g. sight loss or those with chronic ill health.
Even the simplest of items can make a huge difference. For example, chair risers can help if you are finding it difficult to stand from a sitting position.
Daily living aids include mobility aids, like walking sticks and Zimmer frames, which will improve your balance and stability, indoors and outside, and give you more confidence in your ability to walk (which will in turn reduce your risk of falling).
Other equipment may include hand rails, bathing aids and products to assist with preparing and cooking food, e.g. pan holders to stabilise the saucepan and prevent spills.
Connevans has an online shop selling equipment to make life easier for people who are deaf or hard of hearing, including: special doorbells, text phones, alarm clocks and listening devices.
The RNIB online shop sells daily living aids for people with visual impairments.
Charities which support people with specific disabilities or problems will usually be able to offer advice about what daily living aids might be useful.
For example the Stroke Association provides information about which aids and equipment could help someone who has had a stroke.
If you are not sure which products would help you, visit AskSARA and complete a simple assessment tool for guided advice about daily living.
Even if you can afford to buy smaller items yourself, it is worth asking your local council for a free needs assessment by an occupational therapist. The occupational therapist will consider your needs as a whole and as well as recommending (or supplying) daily living aids, they may also be able to recommend assistive technology and/or personal care services too.