Adaptations and equipment for independent living

How you could make your entrance and hallways easier and safter to remain as independent as possible:

• Remove loose rugs and mats which can reduce trip hazards and prevent falls.
• Wear slippers or footwear that fits well.
• Remove, slope or angle wooden thresholds between rooms to remove/ reduce trip hazards.
• Ensure your entrance doors and hallways are bright and have suitable lighting.
• Consider a video doorbell to allow you to know who is at the front door. 
• Consider half steps to reduce the height of your step if it is particularly high, but make sure they are of an adequate size to accommodate any mobility equipment.
• Consider adding grab rails by doors and steps and along garden paths to give extra support when going up or down. Make sure these are secured safely. We do not advise use of suction style grab rails. 
• Consider adding additional stair rails on both sides to give extra support when going up and down stairs.
• Reduce the number of times going up and down stairs, when possible, by planning what you need. 

General advice and changes that may assist in the living room may include: 

• Keeping pathways clear, rearranging furniture to make it easier to move around and avoid obstacles. 
• Remove loose rugs and mats which can reduce trip hazards and prevent falls. 
• Wear suitable slippers or footwear that fit well. 
• Remove, slope or angle wooden thresholds between rooms to remove/ reduce trip hazards.
• Consider light switches and electrical sockets that are easily accessible and do not require bending down or reaching up to activate. 
• Consider smart devices that are automatic, voice activated for example Hive and Alexa, to control heating and lighting. 
• Consider the height and type of furniture/chairs to make it easier to sit down and stand up from easily.  

General advice and changes that may assist independence and safety in the kitchen including: 

• Keep frequently used items in easy to reach places
• Improved access to cupboards and appliances, by using cupboard carousels or pull-down shelves
• If you struggle with gripping things, consider: 
  • Lever taps
  • Using easy-grip and easy opening devices to support opening bottles, jars, and tins
  • Spike boards to help you keep things secure in place while chopping/preparing food
• If you struggle with lifting heavy things it might help to consider using: 
  • A kettle tipper or hot water flask to prevent lifting heavy kettles
  • Steamers or cooking baskets to prevent lifting saucepans of boiling water
• It might help to sit down when preparing food for example use a perching stool at a counter to conserve energy and balance 
• Consider different meal and food preparation options such as batch cooking, frozen vegetables, or ready meals to reduce the amount of time spent cooking
• If you struggle with getting to shops for shopping or food preparation, consider online shopping or food delivery options 

Some general advice and changes that may assist independence and safety in the bathroom including:

• If you have difficulty reaching your feet or back to wash and dry yourself, consider using various long handled washes and driers, loofahs, etc to help reach those hard-to-reach parts.
• Consider sitting down while washing and drying if your balance or stability isn't so good. 
• A non-slip mat in the bath or shower is advisable to precent slipping.
• Remove loose rugs and mats which may be a slip hazard and consider non-slip options.
• If you find it difficult to stand up from the toilet, consider adding one of the below which may make it easier:
  • a grab rail - make sure these are secured safely. We do not advise suction style grab rails. 
  • a raised toilet seat or
  • a toilet frame might 

General advice and changes that may assist independence and safety in the bedroom including: 

• Keep pathways clear, rearranging furniture to make it easier to move around and avoid obstacles.
• Consider light switches and electrical sockets that are easily accessible and do not require bending down or reaching up to activate.
• Consider smart devices that are automatic, voice activated for example Hive and Alexa to control heating and lighting.
• Consider the height and type of your bed and mattress to make it easier to sit down and stand up from easily. 

Technology can help you stay safe, independent, and connected at home. This includes devices that remind you to take medication, sensors that alert someone if you fall, and apps that help you manage daily tasks. These are often called assistive technology or telecare.

You can buy many of these privately from local suppliers or online retailers. Suffolk InfoLink lists local providers, and trusted resources like Living Made Easy offer advice on choosing the right products. You can read about technology to help you live independently.

Suffolk County Council does not supply these items directly but can provide guidance if you’re unsure what might help.

You can search for home adaptation services on Suffolk InfoLink. You can also find tradespeople through:

• Which? Trusted traders
• Rated people
• Trust a trader
• Buy with confidence 

Suffolk County Council may be able to help if you're not sure what to buy or need financial support. However, there will be limits to what we can do.

Age UK has information about financial and practical support for home improvement and repairs (PDF, 552KB).

Funding larger adaptations

Some charities will be able to give you more information around funding larger adaptations, for example:

• Turn2us
• Money Advice Service
• Living Made Easy

Disabled Facilities Grant

You may be eligible for a disabled facilities grant if you're disabled or have a long-term health condition and need to make changes to your home.

This grant could be used to:

• widen doors and install ramps
• improve access to rooms and facilities - such as stairlifts or a downstairs bathroom
• provide a heating system suitable for your needs
• adapt heating or lighting controls to make them easier to use

You may be able to find the equipment you need from:

• large retailers (e.g., Amazon, Argos)
• local suppliers listed on Suffolk InfoLink
• specialist stores you may need to research

Suffolk County Council may be able to help if you're not sure what to buy or need financial support, but there are limits to what they can do.