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Community equipment service

The service helps people to live in their own homes more easily by providing a range of equipment. The equipment can range from a simple walking stick, to a more complex item like a mobile hoist. To receive this service you must be assessed and eligible for social care support.

Is the equipment free?

There is no charge for equipment provided.

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Can I use my direct payment to buy a piece of equipment?

You can only use your direct payment to purchase the equipment yourself, if your assessment shows that you need the piece of equipment. If this is the case you can use your direct payment to purchase the item of equipment yourself instead of having it provided/arranged directly by us.

The direct payment can only be used to purchase the type of equipment relating to adult social care needs, not the range of equipment normally provided by the NHS.

However, many items of equipment fall into a grey area between the NHS and adult social care, for example, a profiling bed. This could be regarded as a health or social care responsibility, and would depend on your specific need. This means that adult social care (or NHS on Social Services under section 31 of the 1999 Act) could in principle use direct payments on a great deal of equipment, as long as the equipment could reasonably be characterised as meeting a social care need.

A direct payments is not a substitute for Disabled Facilities Grants (DFGs).

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What equipment is available to me?

The equipment service has a range of equipment available in stock. The assessor has to ensure that you meet the criteria for that piece of equipment before being able to issue it. If the assessor recommends a non-stock item of equipment, for example, a specialist shower chair, this will have to be individually ordered and may take longer to provide

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How do I get my equipment?

The equipment service will make an appointment with you to deliver and fit the equipment. The assessor will demonstrate and instruct you in the safe use of the equipment.

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The service currently does not provide:

  • wheelchair services;
  • school equipment ;
  • sensory equipment ;
  • communication equipment; or
  • telecare.

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How long do I keep the equipment?

The equipment will remain with you for as long as you need it. You will be contacted to see if you are still using the equipment at regular intervals.

If your needs change you can ask for a re-assessment, which may mean your equipment is exchanged for a different piece of equipment.

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How do I return my equipment?

To return equipment not being used contact tel: 0800 915 7744 and they will arrange a time to collect it from you.

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How do I get my equipment repaired?

You are expected to routinely check, clean, and keep equipment in good working order. If the equipment breaks or becomes faulty do not use it please contact us immediately on tel: 0800 915 7744.

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How do I get equipment to help me at work?

You can contact the:

  • Warwickshire Employment Services Team Tel: 02476 385200
  • North Warwickshire - The Short woods Centre Tel: 01827 895747
  • Rugby Community Placement Unit Tel: 01788 537582
  • Warwick - Emscote Centre Community Placement Unit Tel: 01926 419471
  • Stratford - Avonbank Central Tel: 01789 269371
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