Carers Information Sheet 2

Equipment

There are many different types of equipment available to make life easier for disabled people, from items such as cutlery that makes eating easier, gadgets to help fasten buttons when getting dressed, handrails to help prevent falls, through to hoists and lifts for moving.  Using the right equipment can allow disabled people to become more independent and can make the job of caring easier.
Table Settings
Where To Get Equipment
Many items can be provided free of charge by Social Services or the Health Service.  The Health Service can provide items such as wheelchairs, walking frames and hearing aids and Social Services can provide non-medical equipment to help with everyday life, ask your doctor, District Nurse or local Social Services Department about equipment.  They can arrange for the person you care for to see an Occupational Therapist who can advise about different types of equipment and what is most suitable.  The details of the Social Services Equipment and Adaptations Teams are at the back of the leaflet. ( Please click here to see the address)

Equipment Displays - Disabled Living Centre
The Disabled Living Centre in Manchester has a permanent display of thousands of products that are aimed at improving the independence and quality of life of disabled people, and making life easier for Carers.  Occupational Therapists are also there to offer professional advice.  The Disabled Living Centre has an Information Service that you can telephone for information and advice.
It is a good idea to visit the Disabled Living Centre and get advice on what equipment best suits your needs before approaching Social Services.

To visit the Centre just telephone or write for an appointment, the address is:
Disabled Living
Redbank House
4 St Chad's Street
Cheetham
Manchester
M8 8QA
Tel: 0161 832 3678

Hire of Equipment

The British Red Cross
The British Red Cross has a medical loan service and can lend you items such as wheelchairs, back rests, bath seats, commodes, bedpans and urinals.  They can be contacted at:

British Red Cross
439 Lower Broughton Road
Salford
M7 2FX
Tel: 0161 792 5040

Shopmobility
Shopmobility is based in town and hires power scooters and powered wheelchairs to people with mobility problems.  The hire is free of charge, you just need to book.  Shopmobility are based at:

Old Smithfield Market
39 - 45 Swan Street
Manchester
M4 5JZ
Tel: 0161 839 4060

Buying Equipment

Mail Order
There are many different firms that sell equipment and have a mail-order service.  Contact The Disabled Living Centre for information and advice.

Paying for Equipment
If you are buying equipment you may be able to get help paying for it.

Benefits
If the person you care for is on Income Support they may be able to get a Community Care Grant from the Social Fund.  For help in applying for this contact Manchester Advice who provide advice on all types of benefits.  Their number is: 0161 234 5600

Charities/Disability Organisations
Some charities and disability organisations provide funds that will help in paying for equipment, contact the Carers Centre for more information about this.

Carersline 0161 835 4090

Social Services Equipment and Adaptations Teams
North Manchester
Damhead Neighbourhood Office
White Moss Road
Manchester
M9 2LA
Tel: 0161 795 9350

Central Manchester
Gorton North Neighbourhood Office
27 Garrat Way
Manchester
M8 8HE
Tel: 0161 230 8088

South Manchester
Benchill Neighbourhood Office
34 Benchill Road
Manchester
M22 7LF
Tel: 0161 945 0224

(March 1997)


This leaflet has been produced by the princess royal Trust Manchester Carers Centre with Manchester Carer Forum. If you would like to make any comments or suggestions about this or any other Carers Centre leaflet please contact the Carers Centre on 835 2995 or write to

Manchester Carers Centre,
Beswick House
Beswick Row
Manchester
M4 4PR

 Carersline 0161 835 4090

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