Aids & Gadgets
There are a range of different aids and gadgets to help you not only move around but make every day a little easier.
Room: for particular rooms
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Mobility Aids
There are a few different types of aids that can help you move around, whether that be in your home or while you are out and about. When buying a mobility aid it’s best to test out and try different types of that aid to find the best one for you.
Walking Sticks
You can use a walking stick to give you extra support and help you balance. It can give you confidence and make walking less painful.
Getting A Walking Stick
You can borrow some types of walking sticks from the NHS. Speak to a GP, physiotherapist or hospital staff. You might have to pay a small deposit. Or you can buy walking sticks online or from mobility shops. Search online for mobility shops in your area. Prices range from £5 and higher.
Choosing A Walking Stick
There are different types of walking sticks so you should think about:
- Making sure the stick is the correct height for you
- Whether you need one that stands up by itself (some have 3 or 4 feet)
- Whether you need the stick to be right-handed or left-handed
- Whether you need one to easily fold to take with you as you don’t always need it
- What type of handle you find most comfortable (there are various types)
We have some links for more information on walking sticks to help you choosing the correct one, plus some websites were you can buy them. There are so many places to buy walking sticks including places like Argos, Amazon, B&Q and Boots. You don’t have to necessarily go to a mobility shop and there are many more places than just the ones listed below. Have a search around online. Please note the listed shops are ones found when searching online, we do not know how good the business/prices/customer support etc is. We are not affiliated with any of them in any way.
Walking Stick Guides
Clearwell Mobilitys Guide
NHS – Using a Walking Stick
Which? – Buying The Best
Places To Buy
Neo-Walk
Complete Care Shop
CareCo
Crutches
Just like with walking sticks, you can use crutches to give you extra support and help you balance. It can give you confidence and make walking less painful.
Getting Crutches
You can borrow crutches from the NHS. Speak to a GP, physiotherapist or hospital staff. You might have to pay a small deposit. Or you can buy crutches online or from mobility shops. Search online for mobility shops in your area. Prices range from around £10 for a pair and higher.
Choosing Crutches
There are different types of crutches so you should think about:
- Whether you need two or just the one
- Making sure the crutches are the correct height for you
- Whether you want underarm or forearm crutches (the main two types)
- Whether you want open cuff or closed cuff crutches (if going for forearm ones)
- Whether you need one/s to easily fold to take with you as you don’t always need them
We have some links for more information on crutches to help you choosing the correct one, plus some websites were you can buy them. There are so many places to buy crutches including places like Argos, Amazon and Boots. You don’t have to necessarily go to a mobility shop and there are many more places than just the ones listed below. Have a search around online. Please note the listed shops are ones found when searching online, we do not know how good the business/prices/customer support etc is. We are not affiliated with any of them in any way.
Walking Frames
Walking frames (zimmer frames or rollators) give you more support than walking sticks. You can use them to get around your home or to get out and about.
Getting A Walking Frame
You can borrow a walking frame from the NHS. Speak to a GP, physiotherapist or hospital staff. You might have to pay a deposit. Or you can buy walking frames online or from mobility shops. Search online for mobility shops in your area. Prices usually range from £40 to £200.
Choosing A Walking Frame
There are different types of walking frames so you should think about:
- Making sure it’s the correct height for you
- Whether you want to only use it indoors (frames without wheels are best)
- Whether you’re strong enough to lift a frame without wheels
- Whether you want to get out and about (frames with wheels are better for outdoors)
- Whether you need a seat, basket or tray attached
- Whether you need to fold it to get it into a car
We have some links for more information on walking frames to help you choosing the correct one, plus some websites were you can buy them. There are so many places to buy walking frames including places like Argos, Amazon and Boots. You don’t have to necessarily go to a mobility shop and there are many more places than just the ones listed below. Have a search around online. Please note the listed shops are ones found when searching online, we do not know how good the business/prices/customer support etc is. We are not affiliated with any of them in any way.
Walking Frame Guides
Choosing Walking Frame Guide
NHS – Using a Walking Frame
Which? – Buying The Best
Places To Buy
Complete Care Shop
CareCo
Healthcare Pro
Wheelchairs
You can use a wheelchair if you struggle to walk or you’re disabled. You can go into and around many shops and buildings in a wheelchair.
Getting a Wheelchair
There are several ways you can get a wheelchair. Depending on your individual circumstances you may need to pay towards the costs. Apart from the ways listed below, you can also buy wheelchairs from various mobility shops. Wheelchairs range in price from £150 to more than £1,000.
Getting one from the NHS: You can talk to GP, physiotherapist or hospital staff to refer you to your local wheelchair service for an assessment. The local wheelchair service will decide if you need a wheelchair and, if so, what type. You might be able to get a voucher. This allows you to pay towards the cost of a different type of wheelchair.
Self Referral for Wheelchair Help: You might be able to refer yourself directly to a wheelchair service without seeing a GP. Try contacting your integrated care board (ICB), NHS South Yorkshire ICB. Your local ICB can also give you information on a personal wheelchair budget scheme to help with costs. Or search online for NHS wheelchair services near you.
Motability Scheme: Apart from your local ICB helping you with costs (see above), Motability Scheme can also help you. Whether you want to hire or buy an electric wheelchair. It allows some people to use their benefits to pay for a wheelchair.
Borrowing or Renting a Wheelchair: You can sometimes borrow a wheelchair from the NHS. There’s also the ability to rent or hire a wheelchair from the Red Cross. Many big stores have free wheelchair and/or scooters to borrow for free, plus some shopping centres have a Shopmobility scheme, where you can borrow a wheelchair while you’re shopping. This is usually free.
Choosing a Wheelchair
You can get manual or electric wheelchairs. When you’re looking at wheelchairs, think about:
- Whether you’re going to be pushing yourself or pushed by someone else
- How often you need to use it
- Whether you need to use it indoors or outdoors, or both
- How comfortable it is
- How much it costs to maintain and repair
- If it needs to be foldable to easily travel with in cars and/or public transport
We have some links for more information on wheelchairs to help you choosing the correct one, plus some websites were you can buy them. There are so many places to buy wheelchairs including places like Argos, Amazon and Boots. Also don’t forget about buying second hand in order to save some money. You don’t have to necessarily go to a mobility shop and there are many more places than just the ones listed below. Have a search around online. Please note the listed shops are ones found when searching online, we do not know how good the business/prices/customer support etc is. We are not affiliated with any of them in any way.
Wheelchair Guides
Choosing a Wheelchair
Scope – Using a Wheelchair
Which? – Guide (Buy/Rent)
Places To Buy
Complete Care Shop
CareCo
Livewell
Places To Buy
Clearwell Mobility
Mobility Shop
UK Wheelchairs
Scooters
Mobility scooters can be useful if you struggle to walk or are disabled, need to travel long distances, and are able to get on and off a mobility scooter easily.
Getting a Scooter
Mobility scooters are not generally available on the NHS. Motability Scheme can help you with costs. Whether you want to hire or buy an mobility scooter. It allows some people to use their benefits to pay for a scooter. You can buy mobility scooters from various mobility shops, search online for mobility shops in your area. Scooters range in price from £500 to more than £5,000.
Choosing a Scooter
There are different types/classes of mobility scooters. You should think about:
- How often you need to use a scooter
- What you need it for (roads or pavements)
- Whether it needs to go in a car
- Where you’ll store your scooter
- How much it costs to maintain and repair
- Whether you’ll be able to steer it
(some have special levers to steer them if you have arthritis in your hands) - How comfortable it is
We have some links for more information on mobility scooters to help you choosing the correct one, plus some websites were you can buy them. There are so many places to buy scooters including places like Argos, Amazon and Boots. Also don’t forget about buying second hand in order to save some money. You don’t have to necessarily go to a mobility shop and there are many more places than just the ones listed below. Have a search around online. Please note the listed shops are ones found when searching online, we do not know how good the business/prices/customer support etc is. We are not affiliated with any of them in any way.
Places To Buy
Complete Care Shop
CareCo
Livewell
Places To Buy
Smart Scooters
Clearwell Mobility
Mobility Giant
Room Aids & Gadgets
Room aids for particular rooms to help you with your day to day living. Due to the number of helpful aids and gadgets below is just a handful.
There are so many places to buy the aids and gadgets mentioned below (plus others), including places like Argos, Amazon and Boots. There are many more places than just the ones listed below so have a search around online. Please note the listed shops are ones found when searching online, we do not know how good the business/prices/customer support etc is. We are not affiliated with any of them in any way.
Places To Buy
For The Bathroom
Grab Rails
Grab rails can help reduce your risk of slipping or falling and making it easier to get up and down. Whether they be placed by the toilet, shower, sink or a grab rail at the bath. There are different types depending on what they are used for and what they are made from.
When installing grab rails make sure they are placed at heights that allow for comfortable gripping. Instructions should come with any grab rails you buy, it is recommended you use an experienced tradesperson who can use the appropriate fitting for the wall structure. For a more simple installation, suction grab rails are a great option.
Seating
The most popular option is that of a shower stool to be used within the shower. You could even use it by the sink to sit down in order to brush your teeth for example. There is also bath seats and bath chairs which help you enjoy bathing with comfort, safety, and support. Particularly useful for those who might find it difficult to get in and out of the bath or when lowering themselves into the water.
For The Toilet
There are a few different aids for the toilet, of course you can use grab rails near them which is mentioned above. Another option is that of toilet frames and rails, these are positioned around the toilet and are used to help you sit and stand.
Something else you can get is that of toilet seat raisers. This aid can help you get on and off the toilet, particularly if the seat is too low. It can be a much cheaper option to buy a toilet seat raiser then buying a new, taller toilet.
Electric Toothbrush & Flosser
A manual toothbrush can be hard to grip due to its slim body and tiring to move around in order to brush your teeth. An electric toothbrush is much easier to use, not only to grip but it’s less energetic. Instead of having to move around to brush yourself, the electric toothbrush does the brushing for you and you only need to work on gently moving it around to get to all your teeth.
You might also find it difficult and time consuming to floss. An electric flosser could help you there, it takes some time to get used to such a device. It’s best to lean over the sink as they can be messy, the pressure of water on your teeth can feel weird at first. But it does help in cutting down time and fiddling around with floss string or sticks.
Washing Aids & Helpers
Long Handled Brush: Great for not only washing your back but also your lower legs so you don’t have to bend over. These come in various different types of handles and brushes.
Dry Shampoo: Dry shampoo works for most people by absorbing oils and hiding dirt or grease between washes. While not a replacement for washing your hair if might help to use this every day or two between showers/baths.
Wipes: There are many different types of wipes that can be useful for quickly washing your face or areas of your body. Wipes and flannel washes are great way to fresher up and keep clean between showers/baths.
For The Kitchen
Kettle Tippers
These are simple devices that can be a big help for those struggling with lifting heavy water filled kettles. Kettle tippers are frames that allow you to tip the kettle and pour instead of having to lift it up yourself. The frames can be brought on its own, fitting a range of different kettles, or comes with one included.
Seating
If you struggle with standing having a seat in the kitchen might be a help for you. There are many different types of seating you can chose from depending on what you would prefer and how often you need to use it. For example, you could get one that folds up, easy to put away or to one side if you don’t always need a seat. Some have backrests and/or armrests whilst others are just a simple stool. Ones for the kitchen are usually taller seating, great for sitting at the counter to do things.
Openers
It can be difficult to open cans, bottles and jars. There are many different aids and gadgets out there to help with this. It can be difficult to open cans, bottles and jars. There are many different aids and gadgets out there to help with this.
Cans: There are aids to help with opening ring pulled cans. Electric can openers for anything without a ring pull.
Bottles and Jars: There are different designs and handles for this aids/gadgets. Some fit on top of the jar with grips on the inside and outside for easy twisting. Others slip around the lid and have large handles for better grip. It might be an idea, if you can, to go to a mobility shop to get a feel of the different types.
Combination: There are some aids/gadgets out there that are a multi opener.
Kitchen Knives, Utensils & Cutlery
It can be difficult to grip and use some of the knives and utensils. They are specially designed ones to help make it easier and more comfortable to use. There are a range of different handle knives and utensils, from potato peelers, cutlery, scissors and more.
Air Fryers
Cooking with a chronic illness can be difficult or near impossible at times. We all need to eat but it can take a lot of time and energy to cook a meal. Air fryers are great because they make healthier food and are a easy to clean up. For those that have dishwashers they can just be placed in there.
More food labels now not only list how to cook in an oven etc but now include the air fryer. It usually always takes less time compared to other ways as well. There is a lot of free information online on meals you can make in an air fryer, even baking things in one too.
Dishwasher
You shouldn’t be surprised to see this application on the list. A dishwasher can save a lot of time and energy, no more standing (or sitting) around trying to scrub everything clean. If there is something tough that doesn’t clean the first time around? Just put it back in, more likely than not a another wash and it’ll come out clean.
There are even table top dishwashers. They connect like any other plumbed dishwasher but can also be fitted to a kitchen tap when you wish to use it. (You’ll need an adapter which are cheap and available from any hardware store). The waste pipe can also be plumbed in or even aimed down the sink.
For The Bedroom
Bed Rails
You might need a helping hand getting in and out of bed. They can also help you move from a laying down position to sitting up. You could also install a grab handle/rail if you have room near your bed. Some even come with the extra benefit of storage with a small tray or pocket to place items.
Over Bed Tables
If you are someone who unfortunately has to spend most or all of your time in bed it might be worth looking into and buying an over the bed table. Some people might do fine with just a basic tray to put over their lap but others might struggle with the task of lifting and moving it. Over the bed tables are designed to slide easily underneath the base of your bed and can come with wheels or without.
These tables can be used for various activities from eating meals, placing books or other reading materials, or using for electronic devices like that of an laptop. If your table is on wheels then when you don’t need the table you should be able to simple push it away/to one side.
Comfort
It’s always best to be comfortable in bed, whether your there to just sleep/rest or sitting up and doing other activities. There are various aids and items to help you whether it be for during sleep or during the day when you will most likely be sitting up.
Bed Wedges: Most of these are the same shape and are used for angled back or leg support. Some are even designed to go under the mattress. But there are others that are designed to help you sit right, with a back and arm rests.
V Shaped Pillow: These pillows are usually used to be positioned to elevate the upper body but can be used in different ways. Sleep with one in a recovery position, this can keep your spine supported, allowing your muscles to recover during sleep. Keeping the pillow between your legs in this way stops your pelvis twisting and keeps your hips aligned. Another way is to use it as a cuddle pillow.
Bed Lifters/Backrests: These help you with sitting up in bed and are usually adjustable. If you’re willing to pay extra you can even get electric ones, adjusting it without having to move. There are a few different types available so it’s best to shop around to see what there is.
Home Aids & Gadgets
Home aids and gadgets to help around your home, not in any particular room. Due to the number of helpful aids and gadgets below is just a handful.
There are so many places to buy the aids and gadgets mentioned below (plus others), including places like Argos, Amazon and Boots. There are many more places than just the ones listed below so have a search around online. Please note the listed shops are ones found when searching online, we do not know how good the business/prices/customer support etc is. We are not affiliated with any of them in any way.
Places To Buy
Around The Home
Trolleys
Trolleys are very handy to have everything you could possibly need right by your side, whether your sitting in your lounge, bed or at a desk. They don’t even need to be specially made mobility aid ones either if you don’t need it to help you move around the home. Just a simple two/three tier trolley to place your most used items, medicine, handy box of tissues etc.
Think about what you would use your trolley for, is it to help you move around the home? If so a mobility one is best. Is it to store a lot of items? If yes you’ll want one with two or three levels of storage, if not a more simple trolley with one area for storage might be better.
Warming Aids/Gadgets
Whether we need them cause we just can’t get warm or due to aches and pains, there are many aids and gadgets to help.
Heated Blanket/Pads: These are great for both keeping you warm and helping with some of those aches/pains. These items can be used around the home as long as there’s an area to plug them in. Most come with different heat settings and timers. You may wish to have one of each, a blanket for when you are cold or aching all over and a smaller heat pad to help those particular areas you are in pain. They can also help some people sleep, using one to help them become sleepy in bed before turning it off and going to sleep.
Heat Holders/Thermals: There are many different items you can get these in, from clothing (tops, leggings to be worn under clothes), to socks, hats and gloves. These are not only handy for around the home but also when you are out and about, especially during the winter months.
Electric Foot Warmers: Great for when you are sitting to keep your feet cosy and warm. Most come looking like one giant slipper but there are others.
Other items to help with keeping you warm, aches and pains are hot water bottles, microwaveable heat items and stickable heat pads to place on your body.
Plug Tugs
Plug tugs or pullers are a great item to buy and have around your home. They are placed around a plug (before it’s plugged in) to make it easier to unplug. Great for items such as hairdryers, heat pads or laptops that aren’t always plugged in and/or you wish to move around.
Furniture Raisers
If you are suddenly finding your bed, sofa or some other furniture a little too low then furniture raisers work great. There are so many different styles and types out there to work for which ever piece of furniture you need it for. This is a much cheaper way of getting something to be a little higher up without replacing it. Though you might need help actually putting the raisers underneath the furniture but hopefully you have a loved one or neighbour who might be willing to do this for you.
Stairlifts
For those not living in a one storey home and struggling with the stairs, you might have to look into either moving or getting a stairlift. Prices will vary but you might be able to get a stairlift grant depending on the local council or charity that provides the funding. See our Financial Support page and the Home & Housing area for more information. You might also be able to buy reconditioned stairlifts (also referred to as second hand stairlifts or refurbished chair lifts) in order to help you save some money.
Some of the places listed on Local Shops/Links do stairlifts but we’ll also list some places below. There are many more places, so have a search around online. Please note these shops are ones found when searching online, we do not know how good the business/prices/customer support etc is. We are not affiliated with any of them in any way.
Leodis Stairlifts. Areas they cover:
Sheffield | Rotherham | Doncaster | Barnsley
Stairlift Solutions – Rotherham
(Includes repairs & maintenance)
Smart Saving Stairlifts – Sheffield
(Information, advice and savings.)
SRS: Stairlift Repairs – South Yorkshire
Unicorn Stairlifts Ltd – South Yorkshire
(Includes repairs & removals)
Sykes Stairlifts – South Yorkshire
(Includes service and repairs)
Ramps & Steps
Ramps and steps can be helpful for numberous reasons, from getting in and out of your proptery to around your home inside. Ramps of course are also helpful for your wheelchair/scooter and/or any trolleys you use inside.
Ramps: There are a few different types of ramps depending on what or where you need one. From folding ones you could take with you in a car, to threshold, small doorlines or a channel ramp to help get wheeled mobility aids into a vehicle.
Steps: Steps can help you get to hard to reach places while offering you support and stability. There’s a range to choose from with different heights, being adjustable, or with handrails.
Over Chair/Sofa Tables
Depending on if this is in your lounge, conservatory or another room with a chair/sofa, an over the chair/sofa table can be very helpful. They are portable trays that reach over your lap to provide a supportive surface to do various activities, perfect if you struggle with the weight of a normal tray over your lap.
There are some different styles; ones that tilt, some on wheels, ones that can be rotated away. Most are usually adjustable to get the right height you need. You might even find that a simple adjustable laptop desk works just fine for you, whether it’s an actual small table on wheels or a tray/stand that goes over your lap but without the weight on your body.
Local Mobility Shops & Links
Listed here are local mobility shops and various links in helping you with various mobility aids. Know of any other shops/websites or wish to see one listed here? Contact us.
Parkgate Mobility
(Shops in: Barnsley, Doncaster & Rotherham)
Careco
(Shops in: Sheffield)
Clark & Partners
(Shops in: Sheffield & Wickersley)
Go Mobility Ltd: Rotherham
Total Mobility: Barnsley
Eden Mobility
(Shops in: Barnsley, Doncaster & Sheffield)
Premier Community
(Shops in: Sheffield)