What is community equipment?
Community equipment is provided free of charge, to support you to stay living at home independently, reducing the need to go into hospital or a care home. It can also be provided when you return home after a stay in hospital.
Examples of the types of equipment we may be able to loan to you are:
- Commodes
- Perching stools
- Zimmer frames
- Pressure cushions
- Bathing equipment such as shower stools
- In bed positioning sheets
How will it help me?
Community Equipment helps you to have greater control, independence, and safety. This could be in the long or short term, following medical treatment, a period of illness and/or a deterioration in your health or wellbeing which affects your ability to carry out usual day-to-day living activities.
How do I access the service?
The Community Equipment Service provides equipment that has been prescribed by a health or social care professional (such as an occupational therapist, physiotherapist, community nurse, or in hospital) to support you to remain independent in your usual place of residence.
How long can I have it and what's the cost?
Equipment is free, including delivery, and will be collected free of charge when you no longer need it.
How do I return the equipment I have?
You can continue to use the item(s) until a health or social care professional advises that you no longer need it, it is no longer suitable for your needs, or it is no longer required for other reasons.
If you no longer need the equipment, email us at Community_EquipmentService@BATHNES.GOV.UK or call 01225 39 67 17 and we will collect it for free. You can also contact us if you would like to make an enquiry on behalf of yourself or someone you care for.
Minor adaptations
Minor adaptations are small alterations around your property to help you to stay safe and independent at home. The alterations do not require structural changes but can include items such as grab rails in your bathroom and second stair rails.
Requests for minor adaptations can be made by a health or social care professional, such as an occupational therapist or physiotherapist. To request minor adaptations, speak to your health or social care professional about your needs or call the Care Co-ordination Centre on 0300 247 0200.
Other options
Explore our Living Safely at home directory for other providers of community equipment and support to live independently.