Adult and Community Services

Specialist Equipment

Physical and sensory disabilities

If you have a disability there is a variety of equipment that may be available to help you with every day tasks. Whilst some items cost only a few pounds, others are very expensive. It is important to find out what is available and if at all possible, try out before buying.

Some larger pieces of specialist equipment are available on loan. However, equipment will only be offered after an assessment of need has been made by the Occupational Therapy Team or through your GP.

At present, all requests for services must be made through the Adult Intake and Access Team for those of working age and above or to the Children and Families Assessment Team. This is so we can get a detailed indication of the service user's potential needs.

How much will it cost?

Any equipment, which the Adult and Community Services Department can loan you to help around the home, is available free of charge. However, our supplies are limited, and for some equipment for example, lifting equipment or high chairs, there is a waiting list.

Unfortunately, it is impossible to list all the types of equipment we can supply, however we have produced a list of the most requested items that we do not supply.

We aim to deliver equipment to you within a 3-week time scale as set by the governments National Performance Indicator. However, our usual practice is to deliver within 5 days.

Should you wish to purchase your own equipment; the Occupational Therapy Team will still be able to offer you advice as to which particular pieces of equipment suit your needs. Professional advice from a care manager (occupational therapy) can help you avoid costly mistakes to your pocket and your health.

Equipment not supplied

Here is a list of the equipment that is not supplied by us, and where you may be able to obtain it.

Walking Sticks - Health Authority
Commode - GP
Wheelchairs - GP
Bath boards - Disablement Association
Bath seats - Disablement Association
Cutlery / Crockery - Disablement Association
Jar Openers - Disablement Association
Personal Care Aids - Disablement Association
Raised Toilet Seats - Disablement Association
Window Opener - Disablement Association
Dressing Aids - Disablement Association

Please see the Community Disability Team for more information on equipment, minor adaptations and major adaptations for the borough's residents.

Related Support Services

Disablement Association of Barking and Dagenham|

Provides information and support with transport, benefit applications, equipment sales and training.

Tel: 020 8592 8603

Fax: 020 8220 5266

Textphone: 020 8270 2348

Email: centraloffice@dabd.org.uk|

Disabled Living Foundation|

Helps older and disabled people find equipment to enable them to live independently in their own homes.

Disabled Living Centres|

Offers disabled people the chance to try out a wide range of equipment. They also offer free, independent advice about what products are available, how much they cost and where to get them.

Further Information

Community Disabilities Service|