This site has been developed with the support of Wakefield Healthwatch citizen’s panel and partner organisations across Wakefield District. If you have any feedback on the site please email adultsocialcare@wakefield.gov.uk
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- The Equipment Guide
- Thinking about how you get around your house
Thinking about how you get around your house
Finding the right equipment can make life easier for you.
- Stairlift: consists of a seat which is mounted to a track and allows people to be moved up and down the stairs while remaining in a seated position. There are many considerations with this type of equipment and advice should be obtained from a professional.
- Grab rails: a permanent fixture to the structure of a property to offer support to a person if trying to adjust position or steady themselves. Most are attached to a wall and require a person to have sufficient arm strength and hand function to be able to hold it. It may require fixing in place therefore it is important to consider the strength of the wall and whether it is an internal or external wall.
- Ramp: a portable sloping surface that may be used as an alternative to having to climb a couple of steps. Please be aware that the recommended gradient for a ramp is 1:12 therefore it is necessary to check that the ramp will not be too steep. Other considerations are the weight of the ramp and whether the person transporting it has sufficient strength and flexibility to be abler to move and install it correctly.
- Step: may be used to reduce the effective height of existing steps. Consider the dimensions of the step relating to where it will be used.
- Walking: items of equipment that offer a person support when walking such as a frame or walking stick. These need to be measured up specifically for a person to use.