How to get equipment
You can buy equipment yourself. This might be the quickest option and will give you more choice and control over what you choose to get. If you cannot afford your own equipment, you may be eligible for help from the council.
Getting equipment from Essex County Council
Equipment can be provided as part of a social care support plan. If you already have a social care support plan, you should discuss this with your social worker. If you do not have a social care support plan, and feel you need one, you can arrange a care needs assessment.
As part of this assessment we will consider any equipment that you may need to help you stay independent. This equipment will then be loaned to you for free. Maintenance and repairs will be looked after by our third party suppliers and all equipment should be returned to them if you no longer need it.
You can also talk to your GP if you think you need daily living equipment. Issuing equipment can also help you to be discharged from hospital quicker.
Buying your own equipment
You can look up companies to check if they are trusted using Buy with Confidence, which shows only businesses approved by Trading Standards. This means that the businesses have been checked to ensure that they operate in a legal, honest and fair way.
You can find approved traders on Age UK to install your equipment.
Daily living equipment
Living made easy - Comparison site for daily living equipment run by Disabled Living Foundation (DLF)
Care technology
Which – Assistive technology for independent living - Offers advice on how to choose technology, what is available and where to get it