THE GUIDE LIBRARY
Find a helpful place to start.
Browse by room, everyday task or the support you need.
Getting started with help at home
Start with the task that is difficult, ask for an assessment and find out what support is available before buying equipment.
Bathroom and toilet
Plan questions about bathing, showering and using the toilet, with assessment and safe fitting first.
Stairs and moving around
Questions to ask about stairs, access, rails and larger adaptations before choosing equipment or an installer.
Chairs and beds
Prepare for advice about getting into bed and standing from a chair, including important bed rail safety guidance.
Kitchen and eating
Start with the everyday task: preparing food, pouring a drink, carrying a plate or holding cutlery.
Dressing and reaching
Questions about dressing aids and reaching equipment, starting with the clothes and tasks you use every day.
Safety at home
A practical starting point for discussing lighting, routes through the home and getting help.
Grants and help
Find the official home adaptation support route for England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland before arranging work.
Practical guides
Bed levers and bed rails: ask for advice first
Why bed rails and levers need an individual assessment, including mattress compatibility and entrapment risks.
Read the guide 02Coming home from hospital: a checklist for families
Questions to ask the discharge team about equipment, support, medicines and who to contact once home.
Read the guide 03Disabled Facilities Grants: start with the right route
An introduction to adaptation grants, with England's headline maximum and official routes for all four UK nations.
Read the guide 04Grab rails: what to ask before fitting one
Discuss the task, rail position and fixing with an occupational therapist and competent fitter.
Read the guide 05A home safety checklist for your assessment
Use these prompts to note lighting, trip hazards and daily routines for a conversation with a healthcare professional.
Read the guide 06Occupational therapist home assessments: how to prepare
How to ask for a home assessment and make a useful list of the tasks you want to discuss.
Read the guide 07Raised toilet seats and frames: questions about fit
What to discuss with an assessor about toilet height, transfers, compatibility and space.
Read the guide 08Shower stool or shower chair: questions to ask
How to discuss shower seating, available space and equipment fit before buying.
Read the guide