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Virtual House

Explore our virtual house to discover occupational therapy, assistive technology, and sensory aids and equipment designed to support you with everyday activities at home. 

The tour includes information on what to consider before buying equipment, prices and where they can be purchased.

You may be eligible for VAT relief on certain items. Visit the GOV.UK website for more information.

Viewing tips

The tour works best when:

  • viewed using Google Chrome
  • you have a strong internet connection
  • using Wi‑Fi rather than mobile data

The Council does not recommend or endorse any items or the retailers suggested in the tour. So please consider carefully whether an item is suitable for your needs, especially if it affects safety, balance, mobility, or calling for help. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions, including weight limits.

If you wish to have an assessment to ensure products are suitable for the person and their environment you can request this through one of our teams:

Virtual House Tour

Technologies, aids and equipment

View all the technologies, aids and equipment included in the tour.

Accessible mobile phone

Provides a simpler alternative to standard smartphones for people who find mobile phones difficult to use.

Considerations

  • Screen accessibility options
  • Emergency call button on the back
  • Hearing‑aid compatible
  • Bluetooth connectivity

Available from £30 to £300+:

Call blocker

Helps stop unwanted nuisance calls. Devices usually include pre‑programmed blocked numbers, and additional numbers can be blocked by pressing a large red button if a call gets through.

Considerations

  • Plugs into the back of an existing landline phone
  • Can be used with cordless phones, though the blocking process may differ slightly
  • Requires a landline connection

Available from £69.99

Ownfone

This phone allows the user to make and receive calls using pre‑programmed contacts (up to 12) with customisable names, photos, or symbols. To make a call, simply press the chosen contact and then the green call button.

Things to consider

  • Text messages cannot be sent or received
  • Calls can only be made to pre‑programmed numbers
  • To add or remove numbers, the handset must be returned to the provider
  • Newer models can connect to a 24‑hour call centre

Available from £85 plus monthly contract:

Smart Speakers

Allow voice‑controlled use of lights, appliances, reminders, and music.

Things to consider

  • Require Wi‑Fi and basic setup
  • User must be comfortable with voice commands

Visit the Fact Sheet on smart devices for an introduction to how they can help within the home.

Available from £30

Remote plugs

Allow appliances to be turned on and off remotely, reducing the need for bending, stretching, or reaching sockets and switches.

Considerations

  • visit the Smart Devices fact sheet
  • Suitable for lamps and some plug‑in appliances
  • Ensure compatibility with the appliance being used
  • May not be suitable for high‑power devices

Available from £11.99

Day/ Night Clock

This device helps people who may become disorientated about the time of day. It clearly displays the time and date, along with whether it is morning, afternoon, evening, or night. Some clocks also include visual cues, such as a sun or moon, to make this even easier to understand.

Things to consider

  • Seasonal daylight changes may cause confusion
  • Ensure the clock is easy to see and regularly checked for accuracy

Available from £25:

MemoMinder

Plays a recorded voice message when movement is detected. Can be placed near doors or in rooms such as bathrooms or kitchens to provide reminders, for example to take keys or turn off taps.

Features

  • Plays a recorded message of up to 20 seconds
  • Movement detection range of 2–3 metres
  • Free‑standing or wall‑mounted options

Things to consider

  • Voice reminders may cause confusion for some people
  • Pets may trigger the sensor
  • Do not position facing a window, as outside movement may activate it
  • Placement should suit the individual’s needs and routines

Available from £21

Reminder clocks

Provides spoken or visual prompts throughout the day to support people who may forget important tasks. Reminders can be pre‑programmed for activities such as drinking fluids, taking medication, or attending appointments. Some models allow personalised voice messages to be recorded.

Things to consider

  • Provides reminders only and does not confirm that the task has been completed
  • Messages and schedules need to be set up in advance
  • May be more effective when used alongside other support strategies

Available from £77

Lifeline Alarms

Supports safety and independence at home by connecting the user to a 24‑hour call centre. Lifeline systems use a wearable button and/or home sensors to raise an alert if help is needed.

The service can provide reassurance to the user, as well as peace of mind for friends and family, knowing support is available if a problem occurs.

Considerations

  • For use within the home only
  • Requires installation and an active service linked to a call centre
  • May include wearable buttons, base units, and home sensors depending on the service

Available through an assessment from our Assistive Technology team.

Home Monitoring Systems

Support people living at home with long‑term conditions by helping family members or carers monitor daily activity. Movement sensors placed around the home create online charts showing how the home environment is being used.

Considerations

  • Some systems send alerts to family or carers, for example if the front door opens at night or there is no activity in the kitchen
  • Pets may trigger sensors
  • The individual must give consent to be monitored
  • Some systems also monitor temperature and light levels
  • Requires internet access and an ongoing subscription

Available from £84 plus a monthly subscription

GPS Tracker

Support safety when someone is out and about by showing their location.

Things to consider

  • Many ethical and consent considerations
  • Best used alongside clear guidance and agreement

Available through an assessment from our Assistive Technology team.

Video doorbell

This device connects to your home Wi‑Fi and includes a camera so you can see who is at your door in real time. It can link to your smartphone or a smart speaker with a screen.
You can see and speak to visitors using two‑way audio, even when you are not at home.

Things to consider

  • Some video doorbells can record activity, which may require a subscription
  • The doorbell must be connected to Wi‑Fi to work

Available from £74:

Door and Window Sensor with Pager

This device detects when a door or window is opened. It can help prevent someone from going out alone if it is not safe for them to do so. When the door or window opens, an alert is sent to a pager or to a mobile phone app, notifying another person in the property.

Things to consider

  • Does the person agree to this equipment being used?
  • Some products can be linked to a voice reminder
  • Other versions can connect to telecare (lifeline) systems

You may benefit from an assessment with our Assistive Technology team to find out what equipment is suitable for you. 

Available from £51:

Motion Sensory Light

Automatically turns on when movement is detected, providing light for people who get up at night and may struggle to reach a switch or forget to turn a light on. Helps improve safety and visibility in dark areas.

Considerations

  • Battery operated
  • Can be free‑standing, fixed with sticky pads, or screw‑mounted
  • Some models include adjustable paddles to direct light towards the floor to illuminate a pathway

Available from £11.99

Night-Light

Provides gentle lighting for bedrooms and hallways. The light turns on automatically when it gets dark and switches off when daylight is detected, helping to reduce the risk of falls at night.

Things to consider

  • Choice of warm white or colour‑changing modes (red, green, blue, purple, pink)
  • Can be set to stay permanently on or off if required
  • Suitable for plug‑in use indoors

Available from £9.99

You may wish to self‑purchase this equipment. However, if sensory loss affects your daily life, you may benefit from an assessment or advice from our Sensory Impairment team about suitable equipment.

Writing Frame

Helps people with sight loss keep writing straight and prevents writing over existing text.

Things to consider

  • Bold‑lined paper may also help
  • Black pen on yellow paper can improve contrast
  • Good lighting is important when writing

Available from £5.40:

Large print address book and diary

Large‑print books for people with sight loss to record addresses, phone numbers, and appointments.

Things to consider

  • Available in different sizes, including pocket, desk, and wall formats

Available from £6:

Accessible wrist watches

Make it easier to tell the time for people who cannot use standard watches or clocks, including those with visual or sensory impairments.

Considerations

  • Easy‑read watches with clear faces and bold hands
  • Available in different sizes
  • High‑contrast faces (black on white or white on black)
  • Talking watches that announce the time aloud
  • Tactile watches that can be read by touch
  • Most models are battery operated

Available from £14.50

MAX TV Glasses

TV magnifiers help people with sight loss watch television by enlarging the screen image so it appears closer. They can be adjusted to focus, similar to binoculars.

Things to consider

  • They may not improve picture clarity for all eye conditions
  • Some people find them heavy to wear
  • Sitting closer to the television may be a simpler alternative

Available from £55:

Big button TV remote control

These remote controls are designed for people with limited dexterity, memory loss, or visual impairment. They have minimal, large, clearly labelled buttons that are easy to see and press, and one simple remote can replace multiple controls.

Things to consider

  • The remote will need to be paired with the existing device
  • May not be suitable for people with sensitivity to touch or pressure

Available from £12.60

Tactile bands

Provide tactile labels for people who cannot read printed labels. Useful for identifying items such as shampoo and conditioner.

Things to consider

  • Ordinary rubber bands can be a low‑cost alternative, e.g. one band for shampoo, two for conditioner

If sensory loss affects your daily life, you may benefit from an assessment or advice from our Sensory Impairment team about suitable equipment.

Available from £9.99 (pack 10)

White walking stick

Identifies that a person has a visual impairment.

Things to consider

  • Fixed, adjustable, or folding designs
  • Different handle styles available
  • Must be adjusted to the correct height

If sensory loss affects your daily life, you may benefit from an assessment or advice from our Visual Impairment Service to find out about suitable equipment

Available from £11: 

Talking colour detector

Helps people with visual impairment identify colours by speaking them aloud. Useful for choosing clothing, identifying furnishings, and distinguishing between different food items.

Considerations

  • Battery operated
  • May have difficulty identifying colours on patterned or multi‑coloured items
  • Accuracy can vary depending on lighting conditions
  • Requires the user to position the device close to the item

Available from £74.95

You may wish to self‑purchase this equipment. However, if sensory loss affects your daily life, you may benefit from an assessment or advice from our Sensory Impairment team about suitable equipment.

Landline telephones for sensory loss

Phones with features such as louder volume, clearer sound, hands‑free use, and hearing aid compatibility.

Things to consider

  • Corded or cordless
  • Hearing aid loop (T‑setting)
  • Volume and tone control

Further info can be found on the Hearing Link Website

Available from £30: 

Pager alert systems

Alerts Deaf or hard of hearing people via vibration or flashing lights to sounds such as:

  • Smoke alarms
  • Doorbells
  • Telephones
  • Baby alarms

Things to consider

  • There are various combinations of transmitters and receivers available
  • Consider which alerts are most important to meet individual needs
  • An assessment or discussion may help identify the most suitable equipment

Deaf Connect may also be able to support you in choosing the right product.

Available from £60: 

iLoop (neck loop)

For people with hearing loss. This neck loop connects to smartphones, tablets, or other devices with a 3.5mm headphone socket and works with hearing aids set to the T (loop) setting.

Things to consider

  • Seek medical advice before use if you have a pacemaker
  • You may wish to contact Deaf Connect for advice on suitable equipment

Available from £43:

Vibrating or flashing smoke alarms

These alarms alert someone with a hearing loss to a smoke alarm using vibration or flashing lights instead of sound.

Things to consider

  • Particularly useful at night when hearing aids are not worn
  • Consider whether a conventional alarm would wake the person and whether they could identify the sound and respond appropriately

Available through an assessment from our Assistive Technology team.

Available from £120:

Portable flashing doorbells

Alerts people with hearing loss when someone is at the door using sound, vibration, or visual signals.

Things to consider

  • Choice of ring tones to suit individual hearing loss
  • Plug‑in options available
  • Vibrating alerts for tactile notification
  • Flashing light for visual alerts
  • May be used alongside existing doorbells

Available from £15

Television listeners 

Help people with hearing loss hear the TV more clearly when used with hearing aids that have the loop (T‑setting) enabled. Sound is sent directly from the TV to the hearing aid, reducing background noise.

Things to consider

  • Infra‑red loop requires wearing a neck loop connected wirelessly to the TV unit
  • Room loop uses a thin wire installed around a room, allowing anyone with compatible hearing aids to hear the TV
  • Seek medical advice if you have a pacemaker

Deaf Connect is an organisation that can offer advice on choosing the right product.

Available from £100:

Streaming devices

Provides hands‑free listening for people who wear hearing aids. A neck loop connects via Bluetooth to devices such as mobile phones and laptops, with adaptors available for TVs and landline phones.

Considerations

  • Compatible streamer required, check with audiology
  • Adaptors may be needed for TVs or landline phones
  • Seek medical advice before use if you have a pacemaker

Available from £150 to £500

Wireless headphones

Allow people with hearing loss to listen to the TV more clearly. Can be worn over hearing aids and include an induction loop in each earpiece. Volume can be increased (up to 125 dB SPL) without affecting the TV volume for others.

Considerations

  • Can be worn with or without hearing aids
  • If used without hearing aids, high volume levels may risk damaging residual hearing
  • Specialist advice may help identify the most suitable product (e.g. Deaf Connect)

Available from £119

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Talking clocks

Talking clocks are designed for people who cannot see a regular clock. At the touch of a button, the clock announces the time out loud.

Things to consider

  • Some models also announce the day and date
  • Available in different languages
  • Volume control may be adjustable
  • Some models automatically change between summer and winter time
  • Available with battery power or a mains adaptor

Available from £33:

Vibrating or flashing alarm clocks

Designed for people with hearing loss who may not hear a traditional alarm. These clocks use vibration and/or flashing lights to alert the user when the alarm goes off.

Considerations

  • Some clocks only offer increased volume, while others include a vibrating pad and/or flashing light
  • Battery‑operated models are more portable and useful for travel
  • Mains‑powered models do not require battery changes
  • Consider whether vibration, visual alerts, or both are needed

Available from £25

Tinnitus Sound Therapy

Plays a personally chosen sound to help make tinnitus feel less intrusive by providing gentle background noise.

Considerations

  • Different options are available, including apps, pillow speakers, headphones, and CDs
  • Effectiveness varies between individuals
  • May be used alongside clinical advice or other tinnitus management strategies

Available from £60

Daily living aids and equipment

Grab rails

Provide support when stepping in and out of the property or during transfers.

Things to consider

  • Must be fitted securely to be weight‑bearing
  • Must be suitable for outdoor use

If you need an assessment for grab rails, please visit the Occupational Therapy Service.

Available from £3 to £12:

Half steps

Reduce the height of door thresholds, making it easier to step in and out of the property.

Things to consider

  • Direction of door opening
  • Must be placed on a stable base
  • Check weight limits

Available from £15 to £90:

Stair Rails

Help people balance more safely when using stairs and support independence.

Things to consider

  • Landlord permission is needed in rented properties

Available:

Stair Lifts and Through‑Floor Lifts

  • Stair lift: For people who struggle with stairs due to fatigue, illness, or safety risks
  • Through‑floor lift: An enclosed lift for moving between floors, including wheelchair users

Things to consider

  • Major adaptations may be subject to a Disabled Facilities Grant and financial assessment
  • Landlord consent is required for rented properties
  • Not usually recommended for people with cognitive impairment, epilepsy, or vertigo, but alternatives can be explored

Available from:

One‑cup kettle

Boils water for one cup at a time and dispenses directly into a mug, avoiding the need to lift a heavy kettle. Useful for people with reduced strength, dexterity, or sight loss.

Things to consider

  • Adjustable mug sizes on some models
  • Water tank capacity and filling method
  • Water filter requirements

If sensory loss affects your daily life, you may benefit from an assessment or advice from our Sensory Impairment team about suitable equipment.

Available from £35:

Cup flask

Keeps hot drinks warm for longer and helps prevent spills and burns. Often includes an anti‑slip base.

Things to consider

  • Drink may still be very hot

Available from £5 to £10

Two‑Handled Cup

Two handles help stabilise the cup when lifting or drinking. Some include a spout to reduce spills.

Things to consider

  • Requires grip in both hands
  • Risk of spilling hot drinks remains

Available from £5 to £10

Ergonomic Cutlery

Larger, shaped handles make cutlery easier to grip for people with reduced dexterity. Grip attachments for existing cutlery are also available.

Available from £7 to £30:

Rimmed Plate

Helps keep food on the plate, especially for one‑handed eating.

Considerations

  • Take care when carrying due to raised edge

Available from £7 to £18

Plateguards

Attached to plates to help keep food in place, supporting one‑handed eating.

Things to consider

  • Must fit plate size correctly

Available from £3.50 to £15:

Hydration Reminders

Helps remind people to drink regularly throughout the day. The sensor flashes to prompt hydration at least once per hour and attaches to bottles, cups, or glasses of any shape, size, or material.

Considerations

  • The person needs to understand that a flashing sensor means it is time to drink
  • Does not confirm that a drink has been taken
  • Requires the user to notice the visual prompt

Available from £22

Kitchen trolley

Used to carry food and drinks between rooms.

Things to consider

  • Not a walking aid
  • Requires good balance
  • Flooring type affects safety and control
  • Must use both hands to stand
  • Check weight limits

Available from £40 to £70

Silicone oven shelf guards and heat‑resistant gloves

  • Shelf guards: fit onto the front of oven shelves to protect hands and arms from burns.
  • Heat‑resistant gloves: are a non‑slip alternative to traditional oven gloves. Fingered gloves make it easier to grip hot cookware and handle hot items safely.

Both are easy to remove and clean in warm soapy water.

Things to consider

  • Shelf guards only protect the front edge of the shelf
  • Check hand size when buying gloves

Available from £4:

Angled measuring jug

Allows measurements to be read from above, reducing the need to bend. Lightweight, with clear markings and a sturdy handle.

Available from £3.99 (depending on size)

Jar and bottle openers

Jar and bottle openers help with opening screw‑top jars and bottles. They are suitable for someone who has enough strength to turn a lid but finds gripping difficult. These aids improve grip and reduce strain on the hands.

Things to consider

  • Some physical strength is still required for the turning action
  • Different designs suit different lid sizes and hand abilities

Available from £2 to £6:

Automatic jar or can openers

  • Jar openers: Grip and turn the lid automatically
  • Can openers: Open cans at the touch of a button

Things to consider

  • Require batteries (often not included)

Available from £10 to £20

Talking measuring jug

Speaks the volume of liquid aloud for people who cannot see markings.

Things to consider

  • Battery operated
  • Metric and imperial measurements

Available from £40:

Talking kitchen scales

Speak the weight of ingredients aloud, supporting people with visual impairment.
Measures in metric and imperial units.

Things to consider

  • Battery or mains powered
  • Different languages available
  • Measuring cups may be a suitable alternative for some people

Available from £45

Perching stool

Allows seated rest during tasks such as cooking, washing up, dressing, or using the sink.

Considerations

  • Feet must be flat on the floor
  • Legs are splayed and may be a trip hazard
  • Requires good balance and use of both hands to stand
  • Check room space and weight limits

Available from £25 to £40

Kitchen workstation (food preparation board)

Helps steady food during preparation. May include spikes, graters, brushes, or corners for holding bread.

Things to consider

  • Contains sharp parts
  • Cleaning can be difficult
  • Designs vary

Available from £8 to £60:

Raised Toilet Seats

Increase toilet height to make sitting and standing easier.

Things to consider

  • Correct height
  • Weight limits
  • Usually left in place for cleaning

Available from £10 to £30: 

Toilet Frames

Provide arm support to assist standing from the toilet.

Things to consider

  • Requires use of both hands
  • Space around toilet
  • Weight limits

Available from £17 to £45:

Toilet frame with raised seat

Raises the height of the toilet while providing arm support to help with sitting down and standing up more safely.

Considerations

  • User must be able to use both hands to assist with standing to reduce the risk of tipping
  • Height should be set so feet are flat on the floor
  • Not suitable for narrow toilets or where pipework or soil pipes prevent the frame from fitting correctly around the toilet
  • Check the product weight limit before use
  • Adequate space is required around the toilet

Available from £20 to £45

Commode

Provides quick access to toileting for people who may not be able to reach the bathroom in time.

Considerations

  • Arrangements are needed for emptying the commode and managing hygiene
  • Liners or gel crystals may help absorb liquids and reduce odour
  • User must be able to use both hands to assist with standing to reduce tipping risk
  • Height should be set so feet are flat on the floor
  • User needs to be able to stand independently and walk a short distance
  • Check the product weight limit before use

Available from £30 to £70

Wheeled Commode

Supports people who cannot reach the toilet quickly due to mobility difficulties. Can be used as a toilet with a pan or wheeled over an existing toilet for easier access.

Considerations

  • Requires someone to push the chair when the person is seated
  • Arrangements are needed for emptying the pan and managing hygiene
  • Liners or gel crystals may be helpful to absorb liquids
  • User must be able to use both hands to assist with standing to reduce tipping risk
  • Feet should be flat on the floor to allow safe standing
  • User will need to be able to walk a short distance
  • Not suitable for use over toilets that are too high or where pipework prevents correct positioning
  • Check the product weight limit before use

Available from £70 to £150

Pill popper

Helps remove tablets from blister packs. Suitable for people with limited dexterity or one‑handed use.

Things to consider

  • Designs vary: check suitability for your blister packs
  • Your pharmacy may offer advice

Available from £2.49

Automatic pill dispenser

Stores medication in a rotating carousel. An alarm sounds when medication is due and a window opens to release the tablets.

Things to consider

  • Speak to your pharmacist or GP before use
  • Not suitable for all medications
  • A reminder app or clock may be enough for some people

Available from £119.99

Eye drop dispenser

Helps people administer eye drops more easily and accurately by guiding the bottle into the correct position over the eye. Some designs also make bottles easier to squeeze.

Things to consider

The applicator must match the shape of your eye‑drop bottle

Some models only help with positioning, while others also assist with squeezing

Not suitable for single‑use Minims

May be easier to use with good hand control or support

Available from £5

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Lotion applicators

Helps apply creams and moisturisers to hard‑to‑reach areas of the body, supporting independence with personal care.

Things to consider

  • Requires some hand dexterity to fill the lotion holder
  • May need regular cleaning after use
  • Not suitable for very thick creams, depending on the model

Available from £7 to £13

Dressing stick

Available from £6 to £8

Long handled shoe horn

Available from £3 to £10

Sock Aid

Helps people put socks on independently without bending down to reach their feet. Particularly useful for those with reduced mobility, flexibility, or difficulty bending.

Considerations

  • Some models require assembly
  • The user will need enough hand dexterity to position and pull the sock onto the foot
  • Different designs suit different needs, so trying a style may be helpful

Available from £4.20

Shower Stools

Provides seating to allow an individual to shower more safely in smaller shower spaces.

Considerations

  • Requires good sitting balance, as there is no back support
  • User must be able to use both hands to assist with standing to reduce the risk of tipping
  • Must be set at the correct height with feet flat on the floor
  • Check the product weight limit before use
  • Takes up less space than a shower chair but offers less support

Available from £30 to £50:

Shower chair

Provides stable seating to help an individual shower more safely and comfortably.

Considerations

  • Takes up more space than a shower stool
  • User must be able to use both hands to assist with standing, to reduce the risk of tipping
  • Must be set at the correct height with feet flat on the floor
  • Check the product weight limit before use
  • Adequate space is needed within the shower area

Available from £30 to £50

Bath Steps

Bath steps reduce the height needed to step into the bath, making access easier and safer.

Considerations

  • The person must be able to lift their feet safely
  • Clear floor space is needed
  • Check weight limits

Available from £13 to £30:

Bath Boards

Bath boards allow someone to sit on the bath edge and swing their legs into the bath, often for use with an overhead shower.

Considerations

  • Bath must have a suitable ledge
  • Bath sides need to be flat for secure fitting
  • Requires good sitting balance
  • No back support
  • Glass shower screens may be an obstacle
  • Check weight limits

Available from £17 to £30:

Bath lifts

Bath lifts lower and raise a person into and out of the bath safely while seated.

Considerations

  • Must be able to lift legs over the bath edge
  • Heavy to move in and out of the bath
  • Not recommended for people with cognitive impairment without assessment
  • Requires understanding of the handset controls
  • Needs to be kept charged
  • Glass shower screens may affect use
  • Check weight limits

Available from £200 to £450:

MagiPlug

Designed for people who may forget a running tap. The Magiplug replaces a standard bath or basin plug and automatically releases water when it reaches a set level, helping to prevent overflow and flooding.

Considerations

  • Two versions are available; one for baths and one for basins
  • Must replace the existing plug to work effectively
  • Only prevents overflow; does not turn off the tap

Available from £9.99

Long handled sponges

Used to wash and clean hard‑to‑reach areas of the body, such as the back or feet. The handle is typically curved or bendable to improve reach during bathing or showering.

Considerations

  • Will need replacing as often as a standard sponge
  • May require some grip strength to use effectively
  • Should be cleaned and dried after use to maintain hygiene

Available from £3 to £8

Toilet Nightlight

Automatically illuminates the toilet bowl when movement is detected at night, making it easier and safer to find the toilet without switching on the main bathroom light. It switches off when you leave, fits all toilet types, and is water‑resistant for easy cleaning with household cleaners.

Considerations

  • Cannot be submerged in water or cleaned under running water
  • Batteries will need replacing periodically (3 × AAA)
  • Only activates in dark conditions

Available from £3.99

Talking bathroom scales

Speaks your weight aloud, making it easier for people who cannot see the display to weigh themselves independently.

Considerations

  • Some models offer additional language options
  • Some models can record previous weights
  • Useful for people with limited mobility who cannot bend or move to read a display
  • Ensure the spoken volume is suitable for the user

Available from £35

Over‑bed and chair tables

These tables can be used to support daily activities or hobbies while sitting in a chair or in bed.

Things to consider

  • Check whether the feet can slide safely under furniture
  • Ensure the base does not create a trip hazard

Available from £12 to £100

Bed Lever

Bed levers provide support to help someone get in and out of bed, turn in bed, and stand up safely from the bed.

Things to consider

  • Not designed to prevent someone falling out of bed
  • Different models are available for divan or slatted beds
  • Must be secured correctly to the bed
  • Position carefully to reduce risk of entrapment
  • Check weight limits

Available from £20 to £80:

Pillow Lifts

Pillow lifts help someone move from lying down to sitting up and can assist with getting out of bed.

Things to consider

  • Not intended for sleeping propped up
  • Can be noisy, which may disturb others
  • Requires charging
  • Check weight limits

Available from £300 to £750:

Leg Lifters

A leg lifter helps someone lift their leg into bed using a looped strap, reducing strain and effort.

Things to consider

  • Not suitable if the person has fragile skin
  • Can be difficult to get the foot into the loop
  • Requires good upper body strength

Available from £3 to £10:

Bed Occupancy Sensors

Fits underneath a mattress to detect when a person gets out of bed and sends an alert to a family member or carer, allowing timely support and reassurance.

Considerations

  • Not usually suitable for slatted bed bases, memory foam mattresses, or hospital‑style beds – check with the supplier for alternatives
  • The individual must agree to having the sensor installed
  • Consider whether a wireless sensor is required
  • Requires compatible alerting equipment or receiver

Available from £80.40

Epilepsy bed sensor

Fits underneath the mattress to help detect night‑time seizures and raise an alert if a seizure is identified.

Considerations

Different systems suit different needs, so it is important to consider:

  • Type of seizures experienced
  • How often seizures occur and at what times
  • Who needs to be alerted when a seizure happens
  • What actions should be taken following an alert
  • Whether body‑worn detection would be more suitable

Epilepsy detection equipment should be discussed with a specialist epilepsy nurse or through an assessment from our Assistive Technology team.

Perching stool

Allows seated rest during tasks such as cooking, washing up, dressing, or using the sink.

Considerations

  • Feet must be flat on the floor
  • Legs are splayed and may be a trip hazard
  • Requires good balance and use of both hands to stand
  • Check room space and weight limits

Available from £25 to £40

Rise and Recline Chairs

These chairs assist a person to stand up by gently raising the seat to a standing position.

Things to consider

  • You may only need a chair at the correct height rather than a rise chair
  • Use caution with people who have cognitive impairments, as the chair must be used in the correct sequence
  • The person must be able to walk once standing
  • Not recommended for sleeping in
  • Space is needed to allow the chair to move safely
  • Feet should be flat on the floor, with knees level with hips
  • Check the weight limit of the chair

Available from £300 to £1,200

Rotating Cushions

Assists with turning and repositioning while seated. Can be used on beds, dining chairs, or in cars to help someone move more easily.

Considerations

  • Not recommended for standing transfers without an assessment, as this may pose a risk to the user or carer
  • Check the product weight limit before use
  • Adequate space is needed to use safely

Available from £19 to £49

Assessments

If you wish to have an assessment to ensure products are suitable for the person and their environment you can request this through one of our teams:

Last updated 27 April 2026