Help to stay independent at home
Last reviewed: June 2026
Most of us would like to carry on living in our own home for as long as we can, in the place that is familiar and ours. The good news is that a little help, the right equipment, and a few sensible changes can make a real difference, and there is far more support available than many people realise. Here is a guide to what can help you stay safe, comfortable and independent at home.
Gadgets and equipment that make life easier
Sometimes the simplest things help the most. Aids such as a grab rail by the stairs or bath, a raised toilet seat, a perching stool for the kitchen, easy-grip cutlery or a kettle tipper can take the strain out of everyday tasks. Many of these are provided free after an assessment by an occupational therapist, which the council can arrange, and others you can simply buy for yourself. We have a separate guide on getting a care needs assessment, which is the way to access free equipment.
Changes to your home
For bigger help, your home can be adapted to suit you better, with things like a walk-in or level-access shower, a stairlift, a ramp, a downstairs toilet, or better lighting and handrails. Smaller adaptations often come through the council after an occupational therapy assessment, and for larger works you may be able to get a Disabled Facilities Grant through your district council. A home improvement agency or handyperson service can also help with small repairs and with getting the work done by someone you can trust.
A personal alarm for peace of mind
If you worry about falling or being taken ill when you are on your own, a personal alarm can be very reassuring. You wear a pendant or a wristband, and at the press of a button you are connected to a monitoring centre, staffed around the clock, who can reassure you and get help, whether that is a relative, a falls-recovery team or the emergency services. There are also sensors, such as fall detectors, that raise the alarm automatically.
In Derbyshire this is arranged through Call Derbyshire on 01629 533190, and you can also set it up privately, for example through Medequip Connect on 01706 572460. It gives you, and the people who care about you, real peace of mind.
Help with everyday tasks
There is no shame at all in getting a hand with the things that have become harder. Carers can visit to help with washing, dressing, medication, or getting up in the morning and to bed at night. Others can help with housework, laundry or shopping. And if cooking has become a struggle, meal delivery services can bring hot or frozen meals to your door.
Some of this help can be arranged through the council after a care needs assessment, and some you can arrange privately or through local voluntary groups. Again, our guide on getting a care needs assessment explains the council route.
Staying steady and avoiding falls
A fall can knock your confidence as much as anything else, so it is worth taking a few simple steps to prevent one. Keeping active really helps, as gentle strength and balance exercises keep you steadier on your feet. It is also worth clearing away loose rugs, trailing wires and clutter, making sure your home is well lit, especially on the stairs, wearing well-fitting shoes or slippers, and having your eyes and hearing checked regularly. If you have had a fall, or you feel unsteady, do tell your GP, as they can look into the cause and arrange help.
Keeping well and connected
Staying independent is not only about the practical things. Keeping active, eating well and staying in touch with other people all help you stay well in body and mind, and loneliness can take a real toll over time. So do keep up with friends, family and groups where you can, and if some regular, friendly contact would help, that is exactly what we at BrightLife are here for, through our befriending service.
Getting out and about
If getting around has become harder, there is help to keep you mobile. Your free older person's bus pass, known here as the Gold Card, community transport schemes, and a Blue Badge can all make a real difference. We have separate guides on the bus pass and on the Blue Badge.
Help with the costs
Some benefits exist precisely to help with the extra costs of managing day to day, such as Attendance Allowance, which is not means-tested and can be put towards aids or a helping hand. It is well worth a free benefits check to make sure you are getting everything you are entitled to. We have separate guides on Attendance Allowance and on getting a free benefits check.
Where to get help, locally and nationally
Close to home, across Chesterfield, Bolsover and North East Derbyshire:
- Call Derbyshire, on 01629 533190, for a care needs assessment, equipment, and personal alarms.
- Your district council, for a Disabled Facilities Grant and home improvement help: Chesterfield Borough Council, Bolsover District Council, or North East Derbyshire District Council.
- Medequip Connect, on 01706 572460, to arrange a personal alarm privately.
- Derbyshire Carers Association, for support if you care for someone.
Across the country:
- Citizens Advice, for a free benefits check and advice. For Bolsover and North East Derbyshire, call 0808 250 5702, and for the Chesterfield Borough area, find your local office at citizensadvice.org.uk.
- Independent Age, on 0800 319 6789, for free advice and factsheets on staying independent and on care.
- GOV.UK, for information on care, equipment and home adaptations.