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Assistive Technology

What is assistive technology?

Assistive technology is any device, system or equipment designed to assist you with everyday activities. They are intended to support you to stay safe and independent in your own home for as long as possible.

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Who can benefit?

Assistive technologies can be useful for many people, including people with

  • a learning disability
  • dementia or poor memory
  • difficulty walking
  • difficulty using their hands
  • blindness or visual impairment
  • deafness or hearing impairment

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Examples of assistive technology

There are many different types of devices out there. These include equipment to help you with:

  • moving around

U-step 2 With Laser & Audio Cueing

  • sitting comfortably

One way chair pad

  • completing household tasks

Laundry in mesh bag

  • using a computer

Computer with head pointer

  • monitoring your health

Epilepsy sensor

  • alerting your carers when you need help

personal trigger

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Where to start

AskSARA - Carers UK (external link) is a free and easy to use online service offering advice on a range of devices which may be able to help you with tasks such as cooking, bathing, taking medication and chores.

You can see a list of companies on Haricare that sell telecare products, such as personal alarms.

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Purchasing assistive technology

Assistive technology can be purchased from a range of suppliers, some offering a broad range of products and others specialising in products to meet specific needs.

For information on products and suppliers, visit The Research Institute for Disabled Consumers (RIDC) website (external link)

We recommend that you view any equipment before purchasing to make sure it meets your requirements.

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Services provided by the council

Our Connected Care service supports a range of customers by providing technology within the home (often called Telecare). This can detect falls, improve the security of your home, or raise an alarm to our 24-hour 365-day service.

The service is chargeable, and you will need to have an assessment first.

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Page last updated:

September 21, 2022

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