Aids and adaptations

Aids and adaptations for your home

Living with arthritis can make everyday tasks at home challenging, but the right aids and adaptations can help you manage daily activities more comfortably and safely. You may also be able to get help from your local authority with equipment, home adaptations or financial support, depending on your condition and individual circumstances. 

How to get new equipment

Some councils run Shopmobility schemes, where you can hire wheelchairs and scooters to go shopping or around town.

Visit the Government’s webpage on community transport services and Shopmobility to find out what services are available in your area.

If you’re able to, ask for advice from an occupational therapist and try out any products before you buy. 

Tips for every room around the house

• Attach a basket to the inside of your letterbox so you don't need to bend down to pick up post.
• Move electrical sockets higher up the wall with an extension cable or by getting them rewired.
• Try using a reaching stick or pick-up stick. These can also be useful to remove clothes from inside the washing machine.
• Use a laundry basket that has a handle and wheels.
• Raise your washing-up bowl by putting it on blocks or another upturned bowl in the sink.

Housework and DIY

• Use a towelling mitt for dusting or cleaning mirrors and windows, as it’s easier than gripping a cloth.
• Use a long-handled dustpan and brush.
• Choose a lightweight ironing board that is easy to open and close. You could also think about installing a wall-mounted ironing board.
• Tabletop ironing pads can be handy for smaller items and saves getting an ironing board out.
• Pad the handles of tools to make them easier to grip and buy lightweight, power-assisted tools, such as drills or screwdrivers.

Making switches, plugs and keys easy to use

• Large rocker, pull-cord or touch-operated light switches are easier to use.
• Electric or gas fires are easier to turn on if the control knob is located at the top. Or consider getting a model that uses a remote control.
• You can buy specially designed grips to help you turn dials and knobs, and make plugs easier to pull out.
• Key turners can help with inserting and turning the key in the lock.
• Wrapping an elastic band around rounded door handles can make them easier to open.

Avoiding trips and falls

• Remove any loose mats or carpets.
• Make sure your stairs, hall and landing are well lit.
• Make sure you have enough space to get between or around your furniture.
• Fix a grab rail by the front door to help you go in and out.
• Think about altering your doorstep, especially if mobility is a problem or if you use a walking aid or wheelchair.

Medication management

• If you have trouble opening childproof containers, your pharmacist might be able to put them in a more suitable container for you.
• Pill removing gadgets are available if you struggle to get your pills out of the packet.
• You might find it handy to organise your pills in a box containing separate compartments for every day of the week.

Technology and leisure activities

Using phones and tablets

• Many smart phones and tablets can be used with a stylus to make it easier to type.
• Smart phones now have voice activated features which include message dictation, web searches and hands-free phone calls.
• Try to get a cover that makes your phone or tablet easier to hold. Many covers also double up as stands.
• Gadgets, such as a PopSocket, can make it easier for you to hold your smartphone.
• Think about purchasing touchscreen gloves to use your phone more comfortably when outdoors during the colder months.

Personal alarm system

A personal alarm system is a device that can call for help if you fall or have an accident at home. They can be kept in a pocket, pinned to your clothes or even worn around the neck or wrist.

Smart speakers

Smart speakers, such as Amazon’s Alexa devices, Google Home or the Apple HomePod, can be used to make your home much more accessible. They can play music hands-free, as well as control your lighting and other devices in your home. You can even use them to make phone calls without using your phone.

Some speakers can also function as a personal alarm system - you can ask the speaker to alert someone if you have an accident and can’t make it to the phone.

Using a computer

Voice activated software can be a good alternative to typing on a keyboard. You could try downloading a free version of the software before deciding if you need to pay more for a professional version.

Try resting your wrists on a sponge bar in front of the keyboard – mouse mats are available with similar cushioning if you feel you need the extra support. Ergonomic mice are available which can be held vertically. Some also have trackballs instead of scroll wheels, which can be easier to use.

Reading and writing

• Look for a pen that has a chunky grip which is easy to hold.
• Try resting your book or newspaper on your lap or on a table to avoid straining your fingers.
• Rest a book on a beanbag, lap tray or book rest.
• Think about using an e-reader or tablet to get digital copies of books and magazines, as these may be easier to hold than a book. You can also get covers that double as stands so you don’t have to hold them.

Local authority support

You may be able to get gadgets and equipment from your local authority.

Your local council may call equipment or modifications to your home ‘aids and adaptations’ or ‘community equipment’.

An aid is any equipment that can help you manage your everyday tasks. This could be:

• an easy-to-use electric can opener
• a mattress topper to help you sleep
• kettle tippers that make it easier to pour water.

Adaptations are physical changes, or home modifications, that can be made to help you get around your home. This could include:

• grab rails
• a level access shower
• a ramp
• a stairlift.

Local authorities have a duty to care for the people who live in their area. They should be able to tell you which types of care you are eligible for, and whether you will have to pay for this care or not.

Your local authority may also be able to arrange for you to have support in the home and advise you on local schemes and services that can help.

Help for equipment in England

In England, local authorities have to provide aids and home adaptations, up to the value of £1,000, to anyone who can’t perform two acts of daily living, like eating, washing or going to the toilet.

If there are things you struggle to do at home and this impacts on your quality of life, ask your local council for a free needs assessment. Everybody is entitled to one, and you could be eligible for free equipment.

You can find your local authority’s home adaptations service by entering your postcode at this website.

Help for equipment in devolved nations

For information on the support available for aids and adaptations in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland visit the following websites:

• Northern Ireland
• Wales
• Scotland

If you need to make adaptations to your home, you may be able to access financial assistance from your local authority. The Disabled Facilities Grant is designed to help people living with disabilities to meet the cost of making major adaptations to their home.

Eligibility for a Disabled Facilities Grant differs from eligibility for aids and adaptations in two important ways:

1. The legal definition of ‘disability’ is different.
2. The DFG is means tested, whereas eligibility for community equipment isn’t.

If you live in England or Wales you can apply for a disabled facilities grant with your local authority by entering your postcode at this website.

If you live in Northern Ireland you should contact your local Health and Social Services Trust. You can find out more on this website: 

Disabled facilities grants aren’t available in Scotland.

Make sure you apply for the grant before you start any work on your home, or your application could be rejected.

To find out more about disabled facilities grants see our factsheet Know your rights: Disabled Facilities Grants (PDF, 105 KB).

Getting advice from a professional

It’s a good idea to speak to an occupational therapist about your daily needs and the equipment available. You can ask your doctor to refer you to one or you can refer yourself.

An occupational therapist will be able to give you advice on the best equipment available. They can also give you tips on ways of pacing yourself and changing the way you do tasks to make them easier.

Their advice should help you manage fatigue, reduce your pain and can help you keep your independence.

New gadgets can make daily tasks easier on your joints. But stopping regular movements, no matter how small, could create stiffness and loss of movement. So, make sure you’re still exercising your joints in other ways to keep them strong and mobile.

For more information on staying active visit our exercise pages.

Purchasing new equipment

If you’re not eligible for support, or prefer to purchase your own products, you’ll be able to get many of the gadgets mentioned here online, as well as in supermarkets and local hardware stores.

Make sure you compare prices at a few different places before you buy anything. Where possible, try out the equipment before buying it, to make sure that it’s right for you. If you can’t do this in store, you can try out items and get expert advice at demonstration centres. These can be found in Disabled Living Centres, social services centres, and occupational therapy departments. Visit Living Made Easy for information on your nearest centre.

Most of the staff at Disabled Living Centres are occupational therapists or physiotherapists, who can give impartial advice. It can be a good idea to go with a friend or relative to help you decide on the best equipment for your needs.

AskSARA

AskSARA gives helpful advice on gadgets and equipment to make everyday activities easier. The website will ask you to select the topic you’re interested in and answer a few questions before giving a personalised report full of useful advice and products that may help you.

Other organisations that can support you with equipment

There are many organisations and charities that will be able to offer advice and support for people wanting to get started with new equipment.

The British Red Cross runs an equipment loan service for wheelchairs and other specialist equipment, and Age UK helps with shopping and housework in some areas.

Age UK also offers handyperson services for help with gardening and small household jobs, such as changing the batteries on smoke alarms. Alternatively, your local authority is likely to be able to recommend a reliable handyperson service.

There are also charities and organisations that can adapt existing items in your home or even create new equipment tailored to your specific needs. While many places may charge a fee, there are charities which provide their services for free. Have a look at a charity called Remap, who provide custom made equipment for people with disabilities. Their services are also completely free.

Your local fire service is likely to offer free safety checks for your home. They can test, fit and relocate smoke alarms as well as provide new batteries – all free of charge. They can also help you work out an escape route and will check for any potential trip and fire hazards.

These and other voluntary organisations which can help are listed in the ‘Related organisations’ section below. You may also find others online or in your phonebook. You can also ask your local authority, Social Services department or the Citizens Advice Bureau.

Related organisations

Age UK
The country’s leading charity dedicated to helping everyone make the most of later life.
Helpline: 0800 678 1602

AskSARA (part of the Disabled Living Foundation)
Ask SARA gives helpful advice on gadgets and equipment to make everyday activities easier. The website will ask you to select the topic you’re interested in, for example cooking, and answer a few questions before giving a personalised report full of useful advice and products that may help you.

Disabled Living Foundation (DLF)
For a huge range of information on equipment available and advice on living independently.
Phone: 0300 999 0004
Email: enquiries@dlf.org.uk

Living Made Easy (for information on Disabled Living Centres)
Europe’s largest trusted online comparison site for daily living equipment.
Phone: 0300 999 0004

British Red Cross
Helping millions of people in the UK and around the world get the support they need when crisis strikes.
Phone: 0344 871 1111
Email: information@redcross.org.uk

Scope (formerly DIAL Network or Dial UK)
An independent network of local disability information and advice services run by and for disabled people, part of Scope.
Phone: 0808 800 3333

Disability Rights UK (formerly Disability Alliance, RADAR and the National Centre for Independent Living)
Led by people with diverse experiences of disability and health conditions, from different communities.
Phone: 0330 995 0400
Email: enquiries@disabilityrightsuk.org

National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS)
A charity dedicated to supporting people with rheumatoid arthritis.
Helpline: 0800 298 7650
Email: enquiries@nras.org.uk

Remap
Helps disabled people of all ages to live more independent lives using a network of skilled volunteers who design and custom-make equipment free of charge.
Phone: 01732 760 209
Email: data@remap.org.uk

Foundations
The national body for home improvement agencies.
Phone: 0300 124 0315
Email: info@foundations.uk.com