For most elderly people it is paramount to maintain independence, whilst living safely at home. Enabling them to do so may become increasingly difficult if they become more frail.
Aside from making changes to your elderly relative’s current home, there are also some options to consider with regards to moving, such as downsizing or relocating to sheltered housing, that may provide an independent living solution. For more information please read our guide to Independent Living Options in Berkshire.
This guide will look at how to make independent living safer and more comfortable in Berkshire. These measures can bring peace of mind to both you and your elderly relative and ease any anxieties. You may also be interested in our guide to Preventing Falls among the Elderly.
Looking for a suitable home care provider can also be a great way of helping your relative to remain independently at home for as along as possible. You can visit Age Space’s Home Care Directory for Berkshire to explore the available options in the county.
Mobility Stores Across Berkshire
There are several living aid stores across Berkshire. These range from larger installations to smaller, everyday tools and there is sure to be a store selling what you need to make life easier.
Ableworld, Reading
Ableworld in Reading specialises in stair lifts, wheelchairs, mobility scooters and smaller mobility aids. Scooters and wheelchairs are available to hire for a daily or weekly period. The team at Ableworld can provide free home assessments and a quotation service for stair lifts.
- Address: 221 Shinfield Road, Reading, RG2 8HA
- Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday, 9:00am - 5:00pm
- Telephone: 01189 862121
- Email: [email protected]
- Visit Website
Mobility Your Way, Wokingham
This business in Wokingham has over 30 years of experience and aims to find a practical solution for all customers. The store stock includes everyday living aids, mobility aids, incontinence products and extra roomy footwear. The shop has a host of mobility equipment to try so you can be sure of the product before you purchase. Staff are specially trained and very helpful.
- Address: 69 Rances Lane, Wokingham RG40 2LQ
- Opening Hours: Tuesday to Friday, 9:00am - 4:00pm; Saturday, 9:30am - 3:00pm
- Telephone: 0118 977 3116
- Email: [email protected]
- Visit Website
Newbury Mobility
Newbury Mobility specialise in the sale, service and repair of used stair lifts, scooters and power chairs. They aim to be the most affordable and reliable local mobility aid supplier. The experienced and friendly team at Newbury Mobility are available for home visits and to give personalised advice.
- Address: Unit 5, Beenham Industrial Estate Grange Lane, Beenham, RG7 5PP
- Telephone: Telephone: 01635 905478
- Email: [email protected]
- Visit Website
Redland Healthcare, Reading
Redland Healthcare are independent living specialists and have an extremely large range on offer to help people stay safe and comfortable in their home. Larger equipment available includes hoists, stair lifts and walking aids. There are also a variety of smaller but incredibly useful aids to help with daily activities such as dressing, cooking or using the toilet. In their large showroom in Reading you can try all equipment before making a purchase.
- Address: Redland Healthcare Ltd, 24a Portman Rd, Reading, RG30 1EA
- Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, 8.30am - 5.00pm; Saturday, 10:00am - 2:00pm
- Telephone: 0118 956 0800
- Email: [email protected]
- Visit Website
Scootermart Mobility Centre, Bracknell
The family run business based in Bracknell has over 20 years experience in mobility products. The showroom offers a friendly and informative environment where a large range of equipment can be tested. The team are also able to offer demonstrations in the home. Scootermart focus on after sales service, meaning guarantees and maintenance come with purchase of their products.
- Address: Scootermart OK Care Centre, 18-19 Market Street, Bracknell, RG12 1JG
- Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00am - 5:00pm; Saturday, 9:30am - 4:00pm
- Telephone: 01344 861 555
- Email: [email protected]
- Visit Website
Sun Mobility, Reading
Sun Mobility offer quality mobility aids to residents of Berskhire from their store in Reading. Products on offer are designed to help with all tasks around the home so elderly customers can retain and regain their independence. Friendly staff are on hand to help try the products in store; home visits and assessments can also be arranged.
- Address: Asda Mall, Chalfont Way, Lower Earley, Reading, RG6 5TT
- Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00am - 5:00pm; Saturday, 9:00am - 4:00pm
- Telephone: 0118 230 3159
- Email: [email protected]
- Visit Website
Personal Alarm Systems in Berkshire
Personal alarm systems are a popular and widely used form of assistive technology. They allow elderly people to live independently for longer, as help is on hand if need be. This also brings peace of mind to concerned relatives. For more information on the benefits, please read our guide to personal alarms for elderly relatives.
Careline
Careline are a popular supplier of personal alarms across the UK. The Careline service includes an alarm base unit, which plugs into the telephone, and a pendant to be worn. Once installed, the user will be connected to a 24/7 care team, who are ready to help in an emergency. Careline personal alarm systems start at £125 per year (or £12.99 per month).
You can make a referral to Careline on behalf of your elderly relative if you feel they would benefit from the service.
- Telephone: 0808 304 4367
- Email: [email protected]
- Visit Website
Forestcare
Forestcare provide lifeline alarms. The system connects a small pendant on the home phone system to a dedicated control centre which runs 24/7. On the pendant is a button that can can alert the control centre in the event of distress.
Forestcare can install alarm systems in all six councils of Berkshire. In Bracknell Forest, the system costs £4.20 per week and in other areas it costs £4.47 per week.
Demonstration and installation is free, with no obligation to sign up. Forestcare staff are experienced and friendly with local knowledge. The firm has high customer satisfaction among elderly residents of Berkshire.
- Telephone: 01344 786599
- Visit Website
Free Berkshire Fire & Rescue Service Home Safety Visits
Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service offer free Safe and Well visits to eligible residents. Anyone who is aged over 60 or has limited mobility is deemed eligible.
A Safe and Well visit involves a fire risk assessment to identify hazards and how these can be mitigated. Smoke alarms are also tested, and replaced or installed if need be. The visit will take place in the home and can be arranged at a convenient time.
To arrange a Safe and Well visit, please get in touch with the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service using contact details below. You can refer a relative for a visit.
- Telephone: 0800 587 6679
- Email: [email protected]
- Visit Website
