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Care equipment and adapting your home

Last updated
19 Jan 2024

If you're elderly, disabled or have a long term health condition and want help to live safely and independently, using equipment, technology or making adaptations to your home may be a good option for you.

This could include:

  • getting equipment, like shower rails, bath or shower seats, pressure relief mattresses or walking aids
  • adapting your home by installing a ramp or widening the doors, or replacing your bath with a level-access one
  • using everyday technology like computers or tablets to keep in touch with friends and family or do your shopping online
  • using telehealthcare, for example community alarms and sensors
  • using telehealth, for example to measure blood pressure

Equipment or adaptations to your home can be provided by your:

  • local council
  • local NHS board
  • local health and social care partnership
  • housing association

Private providers can also help.

Care Information Scotland can give you advice about making changes to your home including any help you might be able to get and information about care equipment repairs. Phone them on 0800 011 3200 or contact CareInformationScotland@nhs24.scot.nhs.uk.

Using everyday technology

Everyday technology like computers, tablets or smartphones can help you with things like:

  • shopping online (this could avoid queuing and carrying heavy bags, or if you're a carer it could save time)
  • catching up with friends or family (using video-calling services like Skype or FaceTime)
  • making sure families can organise, share care and manage emergencies, through things like group messaging and shared calendars
  • controlling things in your home such as lights and curtains
  • giving automatic reminders for medication and other routine activities

Carers can also find online support from other carers through various online groups and forums, letting them stay connected to people and share experiences.

Technology enabled care

Technology enabled care uses technology and equipment to support your health and care in your home, helping you and carers:

  • understand and control your condition
  • have peace of mind
  • lower the risk of unplanned hospital admissions – especially if you live in a rural area
  • have more freedom and confidence to enjoy day-to-day life

Technology enabled care can also give carers reassurance that their loved ones are safe and well.

Contact your local council's social work department to find out how to apply.

Aberdeen City Council Aberdeenshire Council Angus Council Argyll and Bute Council Clackmannanshire Council Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (Western Isles Council) Dumfries & Galloway Council Dundee City Council East Ayrshire Council East Dunbartonshire Council East Lothian Council East Renfrewshire Council Edinburgh Council Falkirk Council Fife Council Glasgow City Council Highland Council Inverclyde Council Midlothian Council Moray Council North Ayrshire Council North Lanarkshire Council Orkney Islands Council Perth & Kinross Council Renfrewshire Council Scottish Borders Council Shetland Council South Ayrshire Council South Lanarkshire Council Stirling Council West Dunbartonshire Council West Lothian Council

You can also read Care Information Scotland's advice on how to get technology enabled care.

Assessment

You can request an assessment of your care needs – this is an assessment carried out with you by care professionals to find out what your care needs are and how they might best be met. Ask your GP practice, social worker, district nurse or health visitor for information on services in your area.

Financial help

If you need help paying for adaptations to your home, you might be able to apply for financial assistance.

There are leaflets available that give more information on this for:

Further information

If your needs have changed and you no longer require care equipment, it can be recycled. Contact the organisation which gave you the equipment to arrange this.

Scottish Government published revised guidance on the provision of equipment and adaptations in January 2023. The guidance explains the responsibilities of NHS Scotland, Local Authorities, Integration Authorities and their Housing and Education partners for the provision of equipment and adaptations.

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