News and blogs document Living well - support to live at home

Living at home is not simply about staying put. It is about staying in a home we feel comfortable in with familiar surroundings and memories.

When we have been independent it can sometimes be difficult to accept that we may need a little extra help. But it is something we all face as we grow older.

There is a lot of support available to help you remain living at home, making day-to-day living easier. Whether it is help with shopping, cooking or personal care that is needed. Or specialised equipment, aids or adaptations to your home that can help to enhance daily life.

Daily living aids and adaptions

There are different types of equipment or adaptions to make everyday tasks easier and help you live comfortably and safely.

Daily living aids range from small pieces of equipment, such as grab handles, shower rails, steps, and perching stools, to larger modifications like handrails, ramps, and stairlifts. These aids can make your life easier in the kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom, as well as make navigating steps and stairs safer.

You may be able to borrow daily living aids from us to help you or a loved one be safe and more independent at home. Learn more about what we offer, by browsing our daily living aids by room. If you are not eligible to borrow daily living aids or would prefer to buy your own, the Live Well Oxfordshire has a list of places where you can buy your own equipment.

Altering your home to suit your needs, for example installing a stairlift, building ramps into your home or relacing a bath with a walk-in shower, can be expensive. However, it may be more cost effective than moving into a care home.

If you have received a care assessment and need to make changes to your home, you may be eligible for a disabled facilities grant from your district council. Your Occupational Therapist will apply for a grant if you are.

If you are not sure what you need, Age UK's make your home safer and more comfortable may help you start to think about what equipment, adaptions or changes you may need now or in the future. Or Age UK's adapting your home guide looks at changes you could consider making at home to make your day to day life easier.

Mobility aids

A walking frame or rollator gives you more support than walking sticks. They can help you be more independent, reduce pain and increase confidence when moving about.

The NHS has guidance on what to look for when considering walking aids, wheelchairs or scooters. Which? has advice on buying the best walking stick, walking frame or rollator.

You may be able to borrow mobility aids from us. However. if you are not eligible to borrow daily living aids or would prefer to buy your own, Live Well Oxfordshire has a list of companies, where you can buy your own equipment.

Assistive technology

Technology may be able to assist you or a loved one with day to day tasks. These devices can help to support independence, reduce risks and help carers too. GPS trackers, door sensors and pressure mats are just a few examples of the technology that’s available.

Assistive technology can range from memory prompts, smart home systems that can turn up the heating or switch off the lights using speech prompts, to personal and electronic alarms that can link through to a carer or service centre.

Our assistive technology guide has examples of the assistive technology our social care teams might provide. We may be able to provide technology that can help around the home. You would need to be assessed for this equipment by us. Request an assessment indicating that you are interested in assistive technology.

If you are not eligible or would prefer to purchase your own equipment, our assistive technology team also run a free, impartial advice clinic, where they can demonstrate products that may be helpful at home before you buy. Contact our Social and Health Care team and request a referral.

Which? also offers independent information and advice on its website, and the Live Well Oxfordshire directory has a list of companies from which you can buy your own equipment.

It is a good idea to consider the following questions before buying any assistive technology, to assess its suitability, usability and cost. Care Choices have created a handy checklist for you to download.

Meals

If you or a loved one are having difficult preparing and cooking meals, consider buying ready chopped options. Or try a chopping board with spikes to hold the food in place. There are also long handled pans, teapot tippers and lid grippers that could help too.

Another option is to have pre-prepared meals delivered. Live Well Oxfordshire lists available meal delivery services in Oxfordshire. Home care agencies can also help with meals if you are unable to prepare meals with aids.

There are food delivery services and local community groups that will help with shopping.

Sensory impairment aids

If you have a sensory impairment our dedicated sensory impairment teams are available to assist, with aids designed to support both hearing and visual impairments.

The hearing impairment team provides guidance and support, including assessing equipment to improve your interaction with devices such as televisions and doorbells. Appointments are available at their office, in the comfort of your home, or connect with the team via phone, text or email. Contact the team online, call/relaytext 01865 894925, text 07713 329501 or email hearing.impairment@oxfordshire.gov.uk

The visual impairment team is trained to provide support and advice for various forms of visual loss, as well as connecting you with MyVision Oxfordshire and other organisations that offer support. You do not need to be officially registered as Severely Sight Impaired or Sight Impaired to seek assistance from the team, and appointments are available either at their office or in your home. Contact the team online, call 01865 894935, text 07713 329501 or email visual.impairment@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Our experienced teams are also equipped to conduct assessments for individuals who are deafblind. The teams offer personalised advice for those experiencing both sight and hearing loss, which includes equipment assessments tailored to your unique requirements. Additionally, they provide specialised one on one support, such as mobility and orientation training, including long cane training. You do not need to be completely deaf and blind to receive our help.

Activities and support in the community

There is a whole range of activities and services on Live Well Oxfordshire enabling you to remain living well at home and in the community.

Discover a wide range of activities, from community day groups and hobbies to fitness classes and educational opportunities. Whether you are looking to try something new, join an exercise class, or take part in a weekly lunch club, there is something for everyone.

You can also find community transport, help with gardening, cleaning and laundry assistance. There are local neighbourhood and community support services available in your area too.

You can download the Live Well Oxfordshire support and care guide, produced by Care Choices in association with Oxfordshire County Council and Dementia Friends.

Or you can order a free paper version of the guide, which will be delivered to your door.