Shopmobility in St Helens can loan battery powered and manual wheelchairs or scooters (membership is required), and they sell mobility items, moving/handling equipment and personal aids through their retail outlet Independent Living Store. Shopmobility are also able to dispense prescriptions for equipment under the value of £100.
St Helens Home Improvement Agency offer a range of aids, equipment and adaptations for disabled people to use in their own homes (e.g. stair rails, bath seats, kitchen equipment etc) and home safety/security monitoring equipment. To access aids, equipment and adaptations from the Home Improvement Agency you will need an assessment carried out by an occupational Therapist – this can be arranged by calling the Contact Centre on 01744 676 789.
The Council have also built a ‘smart’ flat in Parr Mount Court (WA9 1AU) that showcases how technology can help vulnerable people in their own homes – for example showing what aids are available to help people in their kitchen. This is a great opportunity to view and test small pieces of equipment before you purchase it for your own home, and advisers are on hand to give information and advice. Appointments can be made by your health professional to view the flat by calling 01744 673294 or 676329. A video of the flat is available to view here.
The Council also run a 24 hour monitoring and response service called Careline, aimed at providing peace of mind for people who feel at risk in their own home.
The Disabled Living Foundation (helpline 0845 130 9177) run a website called AskSARA which helps you find useful advice and products that make daily living easier e.g. products for your home, health and daily activities. The site also features self-assessment questionnaires to determine what products may be best suited for your needs.
The Aidis Trust and Sequal Trust help to bridge the communication gap between disabled people by providing/selling equipment and support – this includes computer software, hardware and adaptations to help disabled people communicate more effectively through technology.
Radar keys (National Key Scheme), offering disabled people independent access to locked public toilets around the country, are available to purchase through DASH, Shopmobility and at the Millennium Centre reception.