In the run up to publication of my new book Carers and Caring; the One Stop Guide; how to care for older relatives and friends I am sharing some of the practical solutions learned from research and experience. If you think any problems have been missed you can email me and tell me, and I’ll make sure they are covered in the next edition and online on my website at www.juneandrews.net. 

Equipment for household tasks for carers

When you are caring for someone, household tasks take up a lot of time. With the right equipment, it is possible to increase the extent to which the person you care for can continue to do things for themselves. How do you find out about that stuff? The Disabled Living Foundation has produced a website called AskSARA with over ninety topics to choose from. There are local versions of AskSARA over most of the country, so check for the one in your area. It would be impossible in a blog to begin to list all of the sorts of equipment and advice available. So the best we can do is provide the web address and recommend that you have a look to see what it is there that you didn’t know you needed. www.asksara.livingmadeeasy.org.uk

Disabled Living Centre

Your local area may have a Disabled Living Centre (DLC), where you can get free and impartial information and advice about equipment which can help people who have difficulties with normal activities. You can see and try out equipment. This might include chairs, stairlifts, kitchen and bathroom equipment, powered wheelchairs and scooters, and equipment that supports walking. There should be an occupational therapist or therapy assistant there with a wide range of knowledge to help you find what you need.

There is much more about household equipment in  Carers and Caring: The One-Stop Guide: How to care for older relatives and friends - with tips for managing finances and accessing the right support  available from all good bookshops from May 2022, or you can pre-order it now.

Three hints:

1.     You can be provided with, hire or buy most things

2.     Looking at a website is a start, but seeing the kit is better

3.     Advice from an occupational therapist is valuable