Specialist Equipment and Daily Living Aids

How to Access Specialist Equipment

There are several routes to specialist equipment, depending on need and funding:

Transfer and Moving Equipment

Equipment to help move someone safely — essential for preventing back injuries in carers and maintaining the person's dignity:

• Hoist (ceiling or mobile) — for people who cannot weight-bear or who need full transfer assistance. Ceiling hoists are less obtrusive but require installation; mobile hoists are more flexible but need floor space. Any hoist use requires two trained carers (two-person technique) in most care plans.
• Transfer belt / handling belt — for people who can bear some weight and just need steadying. Carers hold the belt (not the person's clothing) to guide them.
• Transfer board — for sliding transfers between wheelchair and bed/chair/car seat. Reduces lifting.
• Banana board / rotunda — a standing turntable for people who can bear weight but struggle to pivot.
• Bed rail / grab rail — assists the person to move and reposition in bed, and to get in/out. Bed rails require a risk assessment as they can cause entrapment.
• Leg lifter — assists with getting legs in/out of bed when hip or leg movement is limited.

Specialist Beds and Mattresses

• Profiling bed (hospital bed) — electrically adjustable head and foot sections to assist with repositioning, getting in and out of bed, and eating/breathing. Often provided by the NHS or funded via a care package for people with significant needs.
• Pressure-relieving mattress — for people at risk of or with existing pressure ulcers. Ranges from basic foam to dynamic (air-alternating) mattresses. Provided by community nurses based on assessed risk.
• Bed height adjustable legs — raise a standard bed to a more accessible height, reducing carer back strain and helping with transfers. Inexpensive and often self-purchased.

Seating and Chairs

• Rise-recliner chair — lifts and tilts forward to assist standing. Essential for people with weak legs who cannot rise from standard chairs. Range: £300–£2,000. Not typically funded by NHS/council unless assessed as necessary. VAT zero-rated for eligible purchasers.
• Specialist supportive seating — custom-moulded or highly adjustable for complex postural needs. Usually provided via NHS specialist seating services.
• Pressure cushion — for wheelchairs and chairs to prevent pressure damage. Available through NHS community equipment.
• Chair raisers — blocks placed under chair legs to raise seat height, making rising from the chair easier. Very inexpensive.

Communication Aids

For people with speech or language difficulties:

• Communication boards and books — low-tech, picture or symbol-based. Provided or recommended by speech and language therapists (SALTs).
• Speech generating devices — ranging from basic apps (on tablet or phone) to dedicated AAC devices with eye gaze or switch access. SALT can recommend and facilitate funding.
• Voice amplifiers — for people with quiet voice (e.g., Parkinson's, MND). Relatively inexpensive; available from specialist suppliers.
• Environmental control systems — allows control of lights, TV, phone, door and other home systems via switch, head movement or eye gaze. Usually funded via NHS assistive technology services for people with significant physical disabilities.

Refer to your local SALT team for assessment and equipment recommendations. Aphasia UK (aphasia.org.uk) provides resources for people with acquired language disorders.

Daily Living Aids

Smaller items that support independence with everyday tasks:

The DLF (Disabled Living Foundation) provides impartial advice on equipment choices: 0300 323 0245 (Helpline)

VAT Relief on Equipment

Most specialist equipment and daily living aids are zero-rated for VAT when purchased by, or for the personal use of, a disabled person or a person with a long-term condition. This saves 20% on the purchase price.

To claim VAT relief:

• You (or the person buying on behalf of the disabled person) sign a self-declaration form stating the item is for a qualifying disabled person
• No formal registration as disabled is needed
• Ask the retailer before purchase — not all items qualify and rules are specific
• HMRC Notice 701/7 ("VAT relief for disabled people") has the full list