Getting equipment to help at home

Many people are not aware of how much equipment is available to make everyday life easier and safer. You may only need one or two pieces to make all the difference between managing and feeling unsafe.

It's worth finding out what's out there before you need it. Choosing equipment is much easier when you have time to look around, try things out and get advice, rather than after a fall or a stay in hospital.

What sort of equipment is there?

Here are some examples of simple equipment that many people find helpful:

• In the bathroom: grab rails, a shower stool, a raised toilet seat or toilet frame, and a long-handled sponge.
• In the kitchen: a perching stool (a tall, tilted seat for working at the bench), a kettle tipper, jar openers and easy-grip cutlery.
• Around the house:a grabber for picking things up, a sock aid, a chair raiser or lift chair, and a bed lever to help you get in and out of bed.
• Getting about: walking sticks, walking frames, mobility scooters and wheelchairs.
• Staying safe:a personal medical alarm and sensor lights for night-time. 

The disability equipment sector is very innovative so you may find there’s something suitable for you and your situation that you’d never thought of. To find out what's available, here are some things you can do:

• Visit a mobility and equipment shop to get a broad idea of what's available. Many will let you try things out.
• Browse the providers listed in Eldernet's Making Life Easier at Home directory.
• Ask friends and family what has worked for them.

You may have access to specialised equipment if you are receiving palliative care. Ask your hospice or palliative care team.

Get good advice

Not all equipment suits all people, and the wrong item can make things harder or even less safe. It's worth getting advice before you buy anything more than simple aids.

An occupational therapist is a health professional who looks at how you manage everyday tasks and what might help. There are two ways to see one:

• Through the public health system. Your GP can refer you, or you can refer yourself to your local hospital's community health services. This is free, but it's mainly for people who need help now, and there may be a wait. 
• Privately. You can pay out of pocket to see an occupational therapist yourself. This is often quicker than going down the public route.

A good equipment provider can also help you choose. They should:

• ask about your home and how you'll use the equipment
• check that you can use it correctly and safely
• let you try before you buy where possible
• explain servicing, repairs and returns
• not rush you into a decision

Government-funded equipment

Some equipment is provided through Disability Support Services, which is a part of the Ministry of Social Development (MSD). The equipment is lent to you for as long as you need it. 

To be eligible, you generally need to:

• have a physical, sensory (vision or hearing), intellectual or age-related disability that is likely to last at least six months,
• need specific equipment to help you manage everyday tasks,
• not be covered by ACC for the same need, and
• meet residency requirements.

You'll need an assessment by an Equipment and Modification Services (EMS) assessor. They are usually an occupational therapist or physiotherapist. You can be referred by your GP, or you can refer yourself through your local Needs Assessment and Service Coordination (see NASC contact details here). 

Funded equipment is supplied by:

• Accessable for people living in Auckland and Northland: 0508 001 002
• Enable New Zealand for people living in the rest of the country: 0800 362 253

What is not usually funded

• Items costing less than $50. There are some exceptions, for example, people in hardship.
• Equipment you only need for a short time (less than six months). You may be able to borrow this from your local hospital, or hire it.
• Equipment you have already bought yourself.

If you need equipment because of an injury, contact ACC.

Home modifications

Changes to your home, such as a ramp, bathroom changes, or a stairlift, can make a big difference. Funding is available, but the criteria are tight. If you are approved, the wait can be significant. You will probably have to pay for these yourself.

Paying privately

If you can afford it, buying your own equipment or arranging your own home modifications is often faster and gives you more choice. Here are a few tips:

• Get advice first, especially for larger items.
• Try before you buy where you can.
• Ask about warranties, servicing, and what happens if the item doesn't suit you.
• Consider hiring first if you're not sure you'll use something long-term.

Looking after your equipment

If your equipment was supplied by Accessable or Enable, repairs are free. Contact them if something breaks, and return the equipment when you no longer need it.