There is a range of equipment available to help you feel comfortable in your living room. From making changes to your chairs and sofas to make them more suitable for your mobility to technology to help you stay safe and connected there are a lot of options available to you.
Equipment can be privately purchased from a wide range of retailers both online and on the high street. If you feel that you need further information or advice, please contact William Merritt Centre for impartial and professional advice and assessment, or call Adult Social Care on 0113 222 4401 to make a referral for assessment with the Leeds Equipment Service.
Smart devices and home monitoring
Smart technology can help you live safely and independently at home by keeping you connected to family and carers. Smart technology can learn routines and alert contacts to any potential problems. Smart home monitoring can include movement sensors and smart plugs which are linked to virtual assistant technology such as Amazon Alexa or Google Assist.
Find out more about staying safe in your home
You can find and buy these products online by
- Searching smart home security in your browser
- Viewing a list of vetted and checked IT engineers on the Leeds Directory
Not feeling digitally confident?
View a list of services which support digital skills on the Leeds Directory
Access digital toolkits and support from Digital Inclusion Leeds
Mobile phones
Mobile phones are another way for people to stay safe and connected. They often come with additional applications which can help us stay connected, such as social media, or engage with hobbies, like reading and audiobook apps or access to hobby websites. Mobile phones can be a good alternative to a traditional landline as they can be used at home and when out and about without having to learn a new system, and there are many accessible options available.
You can buy these products online by searching accessible mobile phone in your browser.
Tablet devices
Tablets are also an accessible way for people to get online and connect with family and friends. Tablets come with features like cameras, microphones and speakers built in, so there is no need to buy extra items, and they have larger screen sizes than many mobile phones making them easier to read. They are portable and simpler to use and maintain than a computer, meaning that they are ideal for someone just starting to learn to use digital technology. There are even devices specifically developed for older people and people with disabilities, so there are lots of options available to you.
You can buy these products online by searching accessible tablets in your browser.
AI assistants
AI assistants, also known as digital assistants and smart speakers, are a combination of loudspeaker and voice command technology which runs on Wi-Fi access. They use artificial intelligence to respond to spoken questions or commands based on a trigger phrase associated with the device’s brand. AI assistants can be used to take care of a lot of different daily tasks and activities. For example, you can turn your lights on and off without getting out of bed or set and provide reminders and make shopping lists to be used in online shopping. AI assistants often have a "personality" and can be a source of companionship and provide an alternative to the isolation of home.
You can buy these products online by searching smart speakers in your browser.
Benefits
Some systems incorporate cameras, providing an in-the-moment view of how a loved one is doing.
Some systems do not require a landline.
May be a more affordable option in the long term than a 24-hour call centre.
Things to consider
Some systems require a reliable broadband and Wi-Fi connection.
Changes to the UK's telephone network may affect your choices of device. Check how the change to Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) might impact a product with the supplier. Find out more about the changes to UK landline telephones.
There won't necessarily be someone on hand to respond to an emergency all day every day.