Support options available for being at home

If you have a disability or health condition and need help with your mobility at home or when out in the community, there is advice and support to help you stay safe, confident, and independent.

Equipment and tools for moving around your home

The right equipment can make moving around easier and safer.

Mobility aids

You may find the following mobility aids helpful when moving around your home:

• walking sticks, Zimmer frames and rollators for extra stability
• grab rails fitted in key areas like hallways, bathrooms and near steps
• chair adaptations and bed raisers to help with sitting and standing

Find mobility aids and daily living aids

Safety features

The following safety features can help reduce the risk of falls and accidents in your home:

• non-slip mats and sensor lights for safer movement at night
• telecare alarms and pendants for emergency assistance if you fall or feel unwell

Technology support

Providers can assist you in sourcing telecare services. This can range from personal alarms and other monitored devices, such as smoke alarms or fall detectors, to call the monitoring centre in an emergency (fees may apply).

You can also use:

• voice assistants, such as Alexa, to control lights, set reminders and reduce unnecessary movement
• smart plugs and switches for easier control of appliances

Find telecare and assistive technology

Support for moving around your community

To move around your community easier and safer you can use.

Accessible transport

The following transport options can help you travel:

• wheelchair-friendly taxi services and community transport options are available locally
• Motability Scheme for adapted vehicles if you drive

Wheelchair hire

If you need a wheelchair, the following options may be available:

• if you need a wheelchair for short-term use, there are a number of affordable short-term wheelchair hire with home delivery options available
• for long-term wheelchair needs you will need to speak to your GP  who can refer you to local wheelchair services

Smart technology

The following technology can support safer and easier travel:

• GPS trackers for peace of mind when out and about
• mobility apps to plan accessible routes and transport

Safety and independence

Simple safety measures can help you stay independent and feel more secure at home and in your community, including:

• Ring doorbells to check visitors without rushing to the door
• key safes for trusted access in emergencies

Preventing falls

Anyone can experience a fall, but older adults, especially those with long-term health conditions are more vulnerable, so taking simple steps can significantly reduce the risk.

Making changes at home can help prevent falls such as:

• wearing well-fitting footwear
• using correctly adjusted walking aids
• reviewing medications with a GP
• maintaining good nutrition and hydration
• having regular eyesight checks
• keeping pathways clear
• removing trip hazards
• managing alcohol intake
• taking care during night-time toilet trips

Strength and balance exercises, along with support from community rehabilitation services for equipment, mobility reviews, and home assessments, can boost confidence, independence, and overall safety.

Visual impairments and sight loss

Carlisle Sight Support and Carlisle Blind Society offer practical advice, low‑vision support, equipment guidance and local social or peer‑support activities to help visually impaired people stay independent and connected in their community.

Adapting your home

Before making changes to your home, consider what will help you move around more safely and independently. Start by looking at the areas where you feel most at risk, such as stairs, bathrooms, or doorways. Think about simple solutions like grab rails or improved lighting, as well as larger adaptations like stairlifts or level-access showers. Check if you need a care needs assessment, as this can help identify the right adaptations and any funding support available. For free, impartial guidance on options and costs. 

Visit MoneyHelper - a government-backed service designed to help you make informed decisions.

Local support

To find local services that can help and support you, please visit our services directory. 

It brings together information on a wide range of organisations, community groups and care providers, making it easy to discover the support that’s right for you.

Find local support

Additional support

If you have tried a range of aids and support but still finding daily activities more difficult, Adult Services can recommend suitable equipment or services.

This might include:

• assess your needs and recommend suitable mobility equipment
• arrange care support for getting out and about
• connect you to our Occupational Therapy (OT) or Rehabilitation for Visual Impairments (ROVI) team
• provide advice on staying active and independent
• information on Disabled Facilities Grants (depending on eligibility)

Contact Adult Social Care to discuss your needs. They can help you explore equipment, technology, and services tailored to your situation. 

You may need to pay for none, some or all of your care or services, depending on your personal financial situation.

Request support