Daily Living Aids

Simple, affordable equipment that helps you stay independent at home. From bathroom safety to kitchen gadgets, small changes can make a big difference.

Bathroom Aids

The bathroom is the most common room for falls and injuries at home. A few well-chosen aids can make showering, bathing, and using the toilet much safer.

Aid	What It Does	Price Range	NHS Available
Grab Rails	Wall-mounted support for getting in/out of bath, shower, or by toilet	£10 – £40	Yes (via OT)
Shower Seat (Wall)	Fold-down seat for showering while seated	£30 – £100	Yes (via OT)
Shower Stool (Free)	Freestanding stool with rubber feet for use in shower or wet room	£20 – £60	Sometimes
Bath Board	Sits across the bath allowing you to slide in safely rather than stepping over	£20 – £50	Yes (via OT)
Bath Lift	Powered seat that lowers you into and lifts you out of the bath	£200 – £500	Rarely
Raised Toilet Seat	Adds 5-10cm height, reducing the effort needed to sit and stand	£20 – £60	Yes (via OT)
Toilet Frame	Freestanding metal frame with armrests for support when using the toilet	£30 – £80	Yes (via OT)
Non-Slip Bath Mat	Suction-cup mat that grips the bath or shower floor to prevent slipping	£5 – £15	No

Bedroom Aids

Aid	What It Does	Price Range	NHS Available
Bed Rail	Provides support when getting in/out of bed and prevents night-time falls	£25 – £70	Sometimes
Bed Raiser (Leg Blocks)	Raises the bed by 5-15cm, making it easier to stand from sitting	£10 – £30	Yes (via OT)
Pressure Relief Mattress	Specialist mattress or overlay that distributes weight to prevent pressure sores	£50 – £500	Yes (via district nurse)
Bed Lever / Rope Ladder	Helps you pull yourself to a sitting position from lying down	£15 – £40	Sometimes

Kitchen & Household Aids

Aid	What It Does	Price Range
Jar & Bottle Opener	Grip-assisted openers for those with arthritis or weak grip	£5 – £15
Key Turner	Enlarged handle that makes turning keys easier with limited dexterity	£3 – £10
Perching Stool	Angled seat for use in the kitchen to reduce fatigue while cooking	£30 – £80
Reacher / Grabber	Long-handled tool to pick up items from the floor or high shelves	£5 – £15
Easy-Grip Cutlery	Thick, cushioned handles for those with weak grip or arthritis	£5 – £20
Kettle Tipper	Cradle that tips the kettle for you, avoiding the need to lift it when full	£10 – £25
Non-Slip Mat / Tray	Prevents plates and cups sliding during meals or preparation	£3 – £10
Long-Handled Shoe Horn	Puts shoes on without bending down	£5 – £12

Getting Aids Through the NHS

How to Access Free Equipment

Many daily living aids are available free through the NHS. The process starts with a referral to your local occupational therapy (OT) service, either through your GP or by contacting your council directly. The OT will visit your home, assess which tasks you find difficult, and recommend appropriate equipment. Common items provided include grab rails, shower seats, raised toilet seats, and toilet frames.

For less common items, the OT may recommend where to buy them privately. Community equipment stores run by the council or NHS hold stock of standard items and can often deliver within 1-2 weeks of assessment.

Buying Privately

If you prefer not to wait or want a wider choice, daily living aids are widely available from pharmacies, specialist retailers like NRS Healthcare and Complete Care Shop, and Amazon. Most items are eligible for VAT relief if purchased by a person with a qualifying disability. This saves 20% on items like shower seats, toilet frames, and kitchen aids. You will need to sign a simple declaration at the point of purchase.

Browse daily living aids on Amazon UK →

Fall Prevention at Home

Falls are the leading cause of injury-related hospital admissions for people over 65 in the UK. Simple changes can significantly reduce the risk:

Lighting – Ensure hallways, stairs, and bathrooms are well lit. Plug-in night lights cost £3-5 and can prevent night-time falls.
Rugs and mats – Loose rugs are a major trip hazard. Remove them or secure with double-sided tape.
Cables – Route electrical cables along walls, never across walkways.
Footwear – Wear well-fitting slippers with non-slip soles indoors. Avoid walking in socks or bare feet.
Grab rails – Install by the front door, on stairs, in the bathroom, and anywhere you need extra support.
Declutter – Keep floors and stairs clear of items that could cause trips.
Eye tests – Have your eyes tested annually. Poor vision is a significant fall risk factor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a referral for an occupational therapy assessment?

You can ask your GP for a referral, or contact your local council directly and request a care needs assessment. The council has a duty to assess anyone who appears to need support, regardless of age or finances.

Are daily living aids VAT exempt?

Yes, most aids purchased by a chronically sick or disabled person for personal use are zero-rated for VAT. This applies to bathroom aids, kitchen aids, mobility equipment, and many other items. The retailer should offer a VAT exemption form at checkout.

Can I get grab rails fitted for free?

In many areas, yes. Following an OT assessment, your council will arrange for grab rails to be supplied and fitted at no cost. Some councils have a handyperson service that can fit rails within a few days of the assessment.

What is the most important aid for preventing falls?

Grab rails are consistently rated as the single most effective fall prevention aid. They are cheap, easy to install, and provide support exactly where it is needed. Bathroom grab rails in particular can prevent falls during the most high-risk daily activity.

Where can I try daily living aids before buying?

Many councils run Disabled Living Centres where you can see and try a range of equipment. The Disabled Living Foundation maintains a national network of centres. Some pharmacies also stock demonstration models of popular aids.