We run an event once every 2 months at the SMART Home at Edinburgh Community Rehabilitation and Support Service. Sign up to see how you or someone you care for could benefit from smart home technology that supports safe and independent living – voice-assisted home controls, home security, or new digital devices.
To find out when the next session is, visit:
These should enable you to live independently and look after your needs safely.
Equipment could help you with things like:
- Bathing or showering
- Dressing and undressing
- Going to the toilet
- Moving around your home
- Cooking and eating
And adaptations might include:
- Layout changes in your kitchen or bathroom
- Ramps inside or outside your property
- Rails and seats in the shower or bathroom
- Chairlift on your staircase
If you care for someone who is vulnerable in their own home, you can also set up a community alarm system for them. This is useful if their frailty, illness, or disability means they may not be able to phone for help in an emergency.
You can get alarms and monitors (known as Telecare) in the form of a necklace or bracelet, or motion sensors in your home. When the alarm goes off, the system will notify key contacts who can come to help.
Equipment, adaptations and alarm systems can all be set up through your local council.
Edinburgh contacts
Social Care Direct
The council provides information about applying for adaptations. This will involve an assessment of your home by an occupational therapist.
Call 0131 200 2324.
Disabled Living Centre
This centre, at Astley Ainslie Hospital, provides free advice from occupational therapists. You can test out and loan equipment like stairlifts, wheelchairs, or hoists.
Call 0131 537 9177.
Community Equipment Loan Service
If you borrowed any mobility equipment from Edinburgh Council, it must be returned to this service when you stop using it.
Call 0131 529 6300.
Care and Repair
Affordable DIY and repairs for older and disabled residents in Edinburgh. They also fit adaptations like grab rails and ramps.
Call 0131 337 1111.
Midlothian contacts
Adult Social Care
The council provides information about applying for adaptations. This will involve an assessment of your home by an occupational therapist.
Call 0131 271 3900.
Midcare
This is a service from Midlothian Council which provides fall detectors, door sensors, fire and gas detectors, and medical sensors.
Call 0131 271 3900.
Other contacts
Treasure Tree
This is VOCAL’s shop and social enterprise which sells second-hand mobility equipment at affordable prices for carers.
Living Made Easy
This national charity offers impartial advice for older people, disabled people, and carers. They have an online directory of mobility equipment for sale.
British Red Cross
They offer wheelchairs for hire and other mobility equipment to buy.
Call 0300 456 1914.
