Walking aids, wheelchairs and mobility scooters
If you are having difficulty walking and feel that you now need some support with this, walking stick or walking frames can be provided on long term loan through the Kirklees Integrated Community Equipment Store (KICES).
A walking assessment may be requested by your GP or other health or social care professional.
A walking stick can provide you with extra support and help you balance. It can give you confidence and make walking less painful.
A walking frame is heavier than a walking stick and has 4 legs but will give you more support. You can use both a stick or a frame to get around your home or when outside.
If you wish to purchase privately, Which? has some helpful information to help you decide what is right for you:
If you feel that you require a wheelchair for long term use, ask your GP, physiotherapist or occupational therapist to refer you to your local wheelchair service for an assessment. You'll need to do this before you can get an NHS wheelchair.
The wheelchair service will decide if you need a wheelchair and, if so, what type. If you wish to have a different type of chair or one with extra accessories, there is the option to apply for a personalised wheelchair budget.
Personal wheelchair budgets: Frequently asked questions
Ross Care are the wheelchair providers for Calderdale and Kirklees.
Borrowing wheelchairs
You can sometimes borrow NHS wheelchairs for a short while (for example, after an operation).
Shopmobility rent mobility scooters, wheelchairs and walkers. This service is provided by Age UK Calderdale & Kirklees.
If you need a short-term loan of mobility aids they can often be loaned from the local British Red Cross. You can either collect equipment or, in some cases, have it delivered for a small fee.
Mobility scooters are like powered wheelchairs and can be useful if you struggle to walk for a distance. You would need to be able to control the scooter, when driving it and observe highway regulations to ensure safety of yourself and others. As they are usually taller than wheelchairs, they can be easier for people to get on and off them.
How to get a mobility scooter
Mobility scooters are not provided by our local wheelchair services so you would need to purchase these privately.
Which? has advice on:-
Buying your own equipment or adaptations
A lot of equipment is widely available both on the high street and online.
Medequip provide the community equipment service for Kirklees Council and Kirklees NHS CCG.
Download the Medequip off retail leaflet to get 10% off your purchase at the following stores:-
Please present this leaflet at the above locations to receive your discount.
Further help and advice
- Ask SARA helps you find useful advice and products that make daily living easier.
- Age Smart Kirklees Self-Assessment Tool
- Disabled Living Foundation (DLF) gives free advice about home adaptation
- Independent Age has advice on home adaptation
- The Money Advice Service has advice about shopping around for disability aids and equipment
- Living made easy clear, practical advice on daily living equipment.